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Prior to rupturing his ACL in November, Sami Khedira had carved a niche for himself as the right center midfielder in Carlo Ancelotti's newly chosen 4-3-3 system. The stoic German international, whose main responsibilities since moving to Real Madrid comprised of recovering the ball and playing safe passes, began showing more frequent flashes of attacking daring with his box-to-box play and charges into the opponent's penalty area. Madrid's midfield trio of Luka Modric, Xabi Alonso and Sami Khedira finally exhibited the balance Carletto Ancelotti so desperately desired with its ability to screen the defense, recover the ball, retain possession, and support the "BBC" in attack.
After Khedira's injury, though, the Eyebrow was forced to go back to the drawing board and tinker with his formation once again. The result? Move Luka Modric to Khedira's spot on the right and fill the left center mid position with work-rate king Ángel Di María. The move has ultimately paid off considering Madrid's positive run and Di María's consistently world-class performances, but with a midfield rotation featuring Illaramendi, Isco, and potentially Paul Pogba next season, does Khedira still have a shot at much playing time next year? The German just turned 27 and could possibly find a home with another top club should he feature in the World Cup and demonstrate a full recovery, but would his absence be felt in the Spanish capital?
Now that we've got your wheels turning, let's get your thoughts on the following questions and more in the comments section below:
1. Would you like Khedira to remain at Real Madrid even if the club signs Pogba?
2. What do you find to be Khedira's strongest attributes on the pitch?
3. If you were Carlo Ancelotti, how would you rotate Madrid's midfield? What would each midfielder's responsibilities be?