LaLiga: Rio Ferdinand explains one major problem with Real Madrid this season

Former Manchester United defender, Rio Ferdinand, has highlighted the key reason Real Madrid have been far from their best this season.

Los Blancos have crashed out of the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League season, and defeated by Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final.

Real Madrid left the Champions League after a disgraceful 5-1 aggregate defeat to Arsenal earlier this month.

The only trophy left is the LaLiga title but Carlo Ancelotti’s side are four points behind Barcelona, and could realistically fail to win any major trophies this season.

In a post on X, the former England defender said the issues of the Spanish giants stem from their lack of a midfield controller this season.

Ferdinand noted that Los Blancos have not replaced midfielder, Toni Kroos since his retirement last summer, and that Luka Modric is no longer the player he used to be at 39.

The former Premier League star want Carlo Ancelotti to start believing in Turkish youngster, Arda Guler to take on the role despite his youth and lack of physicality.

He wrote, “Arder Guler.....@realmadriden have a problem.. @ToniKroos retired and @lukamodric10 isn’t getting any younger. This madrid team need a controller, manipulator, rythym maker. They have great players but are missing this important ingredient in their mix of players now.

“Guler.... he is young & physically can develop more BUT some players don’t have to rely on physicality (Modric,Kroos,iniesta,Scholes,Xavi etc) given time & the right structure around him he can provide the rhythm & control the @realmadriden team needs!”;

Guler has struggled for game time this season, with Los Blancos boss preferring to trust other players ahead of him.

The youngster has been linked with a move away from the club in the summer as he looks set to prioritize his development over a bit-part role for Los Blancos.