What do Real Madrid need to defend the Champions League after Kroos transfer?

May marked the end of an 11-year obsession for Real Madrid when they beat Atletico to win the Champions League. Lifting La Decima was cathartic, a moment which had started to feel like pure fantasy was made real by the 4-1 victory in Lisbon.

Yet the thing about winning trophies is it only makes you hungrier to win more. They may not be talking about it yet, but ‘la Undecima’ (the eleventh European Cup) is guaranteed to be a major theme in the Spanish capital over the next 10 months, and signing Toni Kroos is the first step towards that goal. So what else can Madrid do in order to not only win the Champions League again, but become the first club to successfully defend it?

Recovering Asier Illarramendi
When Real Madrid signed Illarramendi in the summer of 2013 the move was met with a certain degree of scepticism by more than a few observers. Not because the Basque isn’t an excellent footballer, nor that he didn’t look capable of making it at the highest level, but because paying more than €30m for a 23-year-old who had never kicked a ball in the Champions League (and moreover, only had two full seasons’ worth of top flight experience) seemed a big gamble. The midfielder could never quite shake the expectations caused by his transfer fee, nor the odd presumption that he would be a straight swap for Xabi Alonso, based more on the fact that both came through Real Sociedad’s academy rather than any real stylistic resemblance between the two.

The signing of Toni Kroos should be a blessing for both Illarramendi and Real Madrid’s quest to get the best out of him. In a midfield three supporting Kroos and Luka Modric, the pivot should be liberated to do what he does best: short, simple, swift passing while shielding the back four with his natural positional awareness. Alonso’s struggles at the World Cup combined with his age suggest Madrid could do with another holding midfielder capable of stepping up and relieving the veteran, and there were more than a few occasions last season when the creaky former Liverpool man looked exposed when Los Blancos lost possession. The addition of Kroos alongside Modric will free the deepest player in the midfield three from the need to produce the same dynamic range of passing as Alonso has in the role, and with that necessity gone, Illarramendi's conditions are perfect to fill the third slot. The 24-year-old will only be able to do that if he can recover his confidence: something that should pay off in spades for Madrid’s defensive solidity if manager Carlo Ancelotti can meet the challenge.

Bringing in an additional centre-back
Madrid have the luxury of three excellent central defenders in Pepe, Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane, but if they want to achieve the previously unachievable in Europe, Los Blancos can't rest on their laurels. Pepe will turn 32 in February, Varane has a history of injury issues, and it remains to be seen how Ramos will recover from an uncharacteristically sloppy showing at the World Cup. Fourth choice central defender Nacho, meanwhile, is still largely unproven at the highest level, so there is an element of risk in relying on him.

Signing an additional top quality central defender could be a good idea for the Champions League holders, therefore, not only to cover for the eventuality of an emergency caused by injuries, but also to keep pressure on Ramos, Varane and Pepe in order to demand consistency from the three. The obvious problem is that virtually every top side in Europe is looking for a strong centre-back at the moment (not least Barcelona), but Madrid do have a decent record when it comes to signing players to cover that position in recent years, with the rumoured €10m paid for Varane the kind of deal most clubs dream of pulling off.

Supporting Karim Benzema
After selling Gonzalo Higuain, Benzema has lacked cover and genuine competition for his place in the Madrid starting XI, with Alvaro Morata failing to put any real pressure on the Frenchman. Ancelotti’s other alternative was using Isco as a false nine, but the Spaniard’s strong displays in a central midfield role towards the tail end of last season suggest his best qualities aren’t to be found up front. Jese, likewise, could possibly be used in the middle of the forward line, but it would be a waste to move him away from his more natural position after the brilliance the wide forward produced last year.

Madrid’s lengthy – and until Barcelona’s intervention, almost successful – efforts to try and bring Luis Suarez to the Bernabeu show the club is well aware of the need to strengthen in this area, but with the Uruguayan now ruled out, it’s back to square one. Radamel Falcao is the other obvious target, and while there are reports of negotiations for the Colombian, there have been some suggestions that Madrid may opt to wait until the winter window for a move, in order to observe how he has recovered from a serious knee injury. That would leave Falcao cup-tied in the Champions League, however – Monaco will play in Europe’s top competition this season – and as such El Tigre couldn’t contribute to any push to retain the cup with the big ears.

One other alternative could be something that, until now, has proven difficult to negotiate for Ancelotti. The Italian toyed with the idea of using Cristiano Ronaldo at centre forward last season, but in truth the closest he really got to playing the Portuguese in that role was pushing him closer to Karim Benzema in a 4-4-2 shape while not in possession. Ronaldo isn’t fond of playing in the middle, but taking into account the physical issues he experienced over the last year as well as the fact that his 30th birthday is approaching, perhaps moving to a role which requires slightly less miles than the amount demanded while playing out wide isn’t the worst idea. At least on occasion.

Evolving
While Madrid will be more interested in their Champions League glory than domestic failings last season, it is true that they struggled occasionally, particularly in the league. Most obviously, Los Blancos find it difficult to control the midfield against the best sides, resulting in Ancelotti virtually abandoning that notion in the latter half of the season and reverting to a largely counter-attacking philosophy. In Europe that worked out well in the end, but the same problems experienced by counter-attacking Madrid teams of the past are likely to reappear: namely, that opponents will simply cede them possession, resist leaving spaces, and put all of the emphasis on the Champions League holders to create without the possibility of playing on the break.

Bringing in Toni Kroos is a sign that Ancelotti is keen to continue developing his team, and his characteristics suggest the Italian will once again try to make Madrid a more proactive rather than reactive side. With the German alongside Luka Modric, the Spanish giants may finally have the players necessary to put that into practise, a scary thought for the other clubs looking to keep up.

Can Real Madrid become the first team to retain the Champions League in the modern era? Let us know below...

Done Deal! Germany World Cup Star Kroos Completes Real Madrid Switch

Germany's World Cup winner Toni Kroos has joined Real Madrid from Bayern Munich for an undisclosed fee

The 24-year-old midfielder has signed a six-year contract with the current Champions League holders.

"We would like to thank Toni Kroos for his time here in Munich," said Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.

"We enjoyed great success here together. We would like to wish him and his family all the best in Madrid and with Real."

Kroos won three Bundesliga titles in four seasons with Bayern, clinching the DFB-Pokal three times and being part of the historic treble-winning side of 2012/13.

That year they also clinched the Champions League, before winning the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup last season.

In total, Kroos made 173 Bundesliga appearances, scoring 23 goals, 13 for Bayern and 10 during an 18-month loan spell at Bayer Leverkusen.

Russians to rival Everton for Rubin Kazan midfield ace?

A trio of Russian clubs are battling it out to land Everton target Roman Eremenko.

The Rubin Kazan ace, who has been on Everton's radar since the winter, is wanted by Zenit St Petersburg, Dynamo Moscow and CSKA Moscow.

According to reports in Russia, all three clubs have been alerted to his availability, with the Finland midfielder keen for a new challenge.

But having spent the past three years at Rubin, and the four previous years in the Ukraine with Dynamo Kyiv, he may now fancy trying his hand in the Premier League.

That could entice Everton to firm up their interest with a bid for the 27-year-old, although his wages - currently said to be around £40,000 - could be a stumbling block.

'Very good signing!' New Chelsea midfielder arrives from La Liga and gets thumbs up from Terry

John Terry believes Chelsea will surprise people this season and predicts new signing Cesc Fabregas will be a success in blue.

"He’s a very good signing," Terry reflected on the arrival of Fabregas, in the new issue of Chelsea Magazine. "He is great on the ball, a great box-to-box player, he scores an awful lot of goals as well and he has got an aggressive streak in him too – I certainly remember that from his Arsenal days.

"I’m sure he is going to fit in really well at Chelsea and do well in the years to come."

Fabregas has been joined at Stamford Bridge by £32m striker Diego Costa, and these new signings have served to boost morale at a time when senior players like Terry have seen fellow veterans Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole depart west London.

"I think we should be very competitive," predicts Terry. "We were close last year, but just unlucky at times.

"With the signings we have made and a couple of younger players who I think will surprise a few people this year, I think this should be a very good year.

"We want to win trophies – that is always the aim from the outset for me."

Why Liverpool Should Bring Bn This Perfect Luis Suarez Replacement

Liverpool fans have been excited by rumours the club is looking at Borussia Dortmund and Germany forward Marco Reus. Here, WhoScored.com tell us if he is the man to help fill the Luis Suarez void. Check out WhoScored.com for lots more brilliant Liverpool stats.

The departure of Suarez to Barcelona means Liverpool have the funds to strengthen their squad before the Premier League season gets underway. The Reds recently confirmed the arrival of Lazar Markovic from Benfica on Tuesday and while the Serbian is a good acquisition, a more experienced name would go some way to easing the loss of last season’s top goalscorer.

Reus has been linked with a potential switch to Anfield as Liverpool look to put the reported £75m Suarez money to good use. Only four players bettered Reus’ 7.90 WhoScored.com rating in the Bundesliga last season, highlighting what a superb 2013/14 campaign the 25-year-old had.

While he is more a left winger than a striker, signing Reus would still be a real statement of intent by Liverpool. The German's 13 Bundesliga assists was than any other player last season and Daniel Sturridge, Raheem Sterling and Rickie Lambert would welcome his creative qualities. Only Max Kruse with 98 played more key passes than Reus’ 90 in Germany’s top tier last term.

However, he has proven that he is more than capable of scoring, too. Only Robert Lewandowski (20), Mario Mandzukic (18) and Josip Drmic (17) netted more league goals than Reus (16) last season, while the flamboyant attacker averaged more shots per game (3.7) than anyone else, displaying a supreme level of confidence in his striking ability.

Mario Gotze's decision to leave Dortmund for Bayern Munich 12 months ago meant Reus had to step up his game and he did not disappoint. His performances warranted a place in the Germany squad for the World Cup, but an ankle injury suffered in the friendly win against Armenia last month meant he was forced to sit out Brazil 2014. Nevertheless, it goes without saying that Reus’ club form would have guaranteed him a place in national manager Joachim Low’s starting XI.

As you will see on WhoScored.com, his style of play highlights a tendency to cut inside, which would benefit Liverpool, with Reus often moving onto his right foot from the left wing to go for goal. While Suarez would regularly be the focal point in Brendan Rodgers’ attack, the Uruguayan also favoured cutting inside from the flank before unleashing goal-bound efforts.

Suarez may have eclipsed Reus in the goal charts, but with Dortmund having 17 different scorers last term compared to Liverpool’s 12, that is little surprise. Only Steven Gerrard matched Reus in terms of assists and a more creative force in the attack line would allow Sturridge to build on the 21 league goals he scored last season.

While it remains to be seen whether Reus could instantly reach Suarez’s level should the Reds firm up their reported interest, the Dortmund star has the potential to match his exploits in Liverpool’s fluid attack. He may have insisted he will not leave Dortmund this summer, but with rivals Bayern strengthening considerably, a new challenge in England may appeal to him.

Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana have already signed on the dotted line, and with the Markovic deal also done, an attacker should not be the priority for Rodgers. However, if Liverpool are in the hunt for the closest like-for-like Suarez replacement, Reus undeniably fits the bill.

VIDEO! ALL Man United fans MUST see this: Louis Van Gaal REVEALS exactly how he plans to succeed

Louis van Gaal's CV speaks for itself, but it's still fascinating to hear the Dutchman explain the thinking behind his success.

Fresh from a brilliant World Cup campaign as Netherlands boss, this presentation by Van Gaal reveals exactly why he does what he does in a managerial presentation on his spell with the national team.

It makes for fascinating viewing and you can see this is a man who has absolute clarity about what he wants to achieve and how he plans to do it: vision and structure.

Stepping into the hotseat at Old Trafford requires an iron will of the kind that made Sir Alex Ferguson so successful.

Judging by this video, Van Gaal certainly possesses that spirit. Now let's how it translates into results.

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Fomer Liverpool Defender To Ruin Man United's Hopes Of Signing Benfica Star

Atletico Madrid could offer former Liverpool defender Emiliano Insua to Benfica as part of their bid to sign highly rated winger Nicolas Gaitan, who is on Manchester United's radar.

The La Liga champions have already initiated talks with Benfica over a deal to sign Gaitan, who has been monitored by United and Liverpool in recent seasons.

Atleti have cash to spend after sanctioning the sales of Diego Costa and Filipe Luis and they want Gaitan at the Vicente Calderon as they prepare to defend their La Liga crown.

Last week the Spanish capital side are already willing to offer Benfica midfielder Josuha Guilavogui, who has been targeted by Everton, but sources in Spain claim they will now send Insua in the other direction too.

Left-back Insua managed only five league starts last term and he is unlikely to have greater first-team involvement anytime soon after manager Diego Simeone snapped up Guilherme Siqueira.

Benfica are keen to have the 25-year-old on board and this could help speed up the deal.

PSG Would Demand Over £60million For Wantaway Striker Cavani

Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal would have to fork out over £60million for reported target Edinson Cavani.

The forward is thought to be unhappy with his role at current club Paris Saint-German, where he is often forced to play out of position and play second fiddle to star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and is keen on a move away from the French champions.

Cavani sealed a £55million switch to PSG last summer following his emphatic goalscoring form at Italian side Napoli, and helped Laurent Blanc’s side win a second successive Ligue 1 title in his debut season.

But despite the team’s success, the 27-year-old has gone largely under the radar since his arrival and again he failed to impress during Uruguay’s World Cup campaign.

Recently emerged rumours have suggested the Premier League is the wantaway striker’s preferred destination.

And while Laurens reveals the likes of United and Chelsea have already held talks with the agent, he admits any team would have to pay over the odds for the out-of-form frontman.

“Cavani isn’t happy about his situation at PSG,” Laurens told Kick Off.

“He wants to play in his preferred position, but it’s pretty clear that at PSG Ibrahimovic will always be first-choice central player.

“He doesn’t want to be stuck on the wing anymore, so his brother - who is also his agent - has been knocking on doors in the Premier League.

“He has spoken to Chelsea and Manchester United, who they first talked to back in January, but if PSG were to sell him they probably wouldn’t sell for less than €70million [around £62million].

“If a team would be happy to pay that money then I think Cavani would be ready to talk, but such a high figure may put a lot of teams off.”

Update: Arsenal Agree €25million Deal With Real Madrid For World Cup Star

Arsenal have agreed a €25million deal with Real Madrid for Sami Khedira, according to Spanish newspaper Marca.

"Marca claim a deal is more or less done for Sami Khedira to join Arsenal," he said. "Personal terms have not been agreed, but the newspaper claims the two clubs are in agreement over a €25m transfer fee.

"He's not been brilliant and has suffered with injuries in Spain. Khedira has not shone brightly and has not always fitted into the Real Madrid shape.

"He had a decent World Cup and was unlucky, through injury, to miss the final. There are a lot of things for Arsenal fans to be excited about.

"The only stumbling block is his wage demands, which Arsenal wouldn't be happy about. Chelsea, who have also been linked to him, couldn't care less. They have added though that the bad relationship between Jose Mourinho and Real Madrid, means it's more likely that he'll end up at the Emirates than Stamford Bridge."

Transfer Action Hots Up As New Season Begins

While the thrills and spills of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ have kept the world of football on the edge of its seat for the last month, clubs have continued to dip into the transfer market in preparation for the upcoming season. FIFA.com rounds up some of the most notable summer moves.

The future whereabouts of Robert Lewandowski had been common knowledge for some time, but his transfer from Borussia Dortmund, for whom he had starred since 2010, to German rivals Bayern Munich was officially completed at the beginning of July.

Die Schwarzgelben wasted no time in replacing the Polish goal machine, bringing in the clinical Italian Ciro Immobile, top scorer in Serie A for Torino last campaign.

Another World Cup star, David Luiz, is also on the move, joining up with his Brazilian compatriot Thiago Silva at Paris Saint-Germain, after having spent three seasons at Chelsea.

Prior to exiting Brazil 2014 at the first-round stage, Spain’s David Villa had already sorted out the next phases of their impressive careers. The Atletico Madrid attacker committed himself to newly-established New York City FC, set for an MLS debut in March 2015, and will keep in shape by turning out for Australian side Melbourne City (formerly Melbourne Heart) in the meantime.

Aside from Villa, Los Colchoneros have also lost another forward who contributed greatly to their historic Liga-winning season, namely Diego Costa, who will try to put his World Cup woes behind him at Chelsea, where he will rub shoulders with international team-mate Cesc Fabregas, who returns to London three years after leaving Arsenal for Barcelona.

To fill the gap left by the incisive midfielder’s absence, the Catalan giants have acquired the services of Croatia’s Ivan Rakitic, who has been on excellent recent form with Sevilla, as well as the goalkeeping pair of Claudio Bravo (Chile) and Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Germany), signed from Real Sociedad and Borussia Monchengladbach respectively.

But Luis Enrique’s most eye-catching capture is without a doubt that of Luis Suarez from Liverpool, as it provides fans with the enticing prospect of a Barça frontline made up of the Uruguayan striker, Lionel Messi and Neymar.

Supporters of the Anfield side will be hoping that the performances of their own new recruits – England internationals Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana from Southampton and young German Emre Can from Bayer Leverkusen – will help to compensate for the loss of the fiery South American.

To replace Can, Leverkusen have turned to Turkish attacking midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu, who had a fine season with Hamburg, as well as Swiss front man Josip Drmic, signed from Nurnberg.

Other notable Bundesliga comings and goings include German midfielder Aaron Hunt’s move from Werder Bremen to Wolfsburg, Cameroonian marksman Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting’s transfer from Mainz to Schalke, and Venezuelan playmaker Juan Arango’s switch from Monchengladbach to Tijuana. Die Fohlen have registered one arrival, however: that of Thorgan Hazard, younger brother of Eden and also a Belgian international.

Bayern Munich’s aim of defending their German title will be boosted by the addition of Spanish left-back Juan Bernat from Valencia, but the Bavarians have simultaneously bid farewell to their Croatian penalty-box specialist Mario Mandzukic, who has put pen to paper with Atletico Madrid.

The Spanish champions have been busy in the market, procuring Getafe keeper Angel Moya as a successor to Thibaut Courtois, who returns to Chelsea after three years on loan. Other players departing the Estadio Vicente Calderon include Brazilian schemer Diego and Spanish forward Adrian Lopez, who have moved to Fenerbahce and Porto respectively.

Another Liga custodian trying his luck in England is Willy Caballero, who has linked up with compatriot Manuel Pellegrini – whom he played under at Malaga – at Manchester City.

In Premier League matches, he is likely to cross paths with Chile’s Alexis Sanchez, persuaded to leave Barcelona by Arsenal, and promising midfield man Ander Herrera, purchased by Manchester United from Athletic Bilbao.

The Manchester derby will likely feature three other newcomers this term: Luke Shaw, who has travelled north to Old Trafford from Southampton, and Bakari Sagna and Fernando, who have joined City from Arsenal and Porto.

Joleon Lescott will no longer experience the famous rivalry, however, having decided to nail his colours to the mast of West Bromwich Albion, following five years on the blue half of the city.

Aston Villa have not been idle in the market either, securing the experienced trio of Swiss defender Philippe Senderos (from Valencia), evergreen winger Keiran Richardson (from Fulham), and attacking midfielder Joe Cole (from West Ham).

Newcastle United, meanwhile, have placed their hopes in Montpellier’s up-and-coming midfielder Remy Cabella and Feyenoord’s tireless right-back Daryl Janmaat.

It has not been all one-way traffic into England, as Ashley Cole’s deal with Roma demonstrates. In the Derby della Capitale versus Lazio, the former Chelsea defender will line up alongside left-sided Dutchman Urby Emanuelson, on AC Milan’s books since 2011, and against Marco Parolo, Dusan Basta and Filip Djordjevic, reinforcements brought in from Parma, Udinese and Nantes respectively.

French wide-man Jeremy Menez played in numerous such clashes for the Giallorossi between 2008 and 2011, prior to his transfer to PSG. Having opted to relaunch his career with AC Milan, where he will team-up with Brazilian centre-back Alex, he can now look forward to gaining a taste of the Derby della Madonnina instead.

Further west, Juventus also look set to bolster their squad, swooping for Real Madrid’s fringe target man, Alvaro Morata.  There has also been an attacking addition in Wales, with Swansea City having signed free-scoring forward Bafetimbi Gomis from Lyon at the end of June.

Last but not least, 2002 World Cup-winner Kaka has made the somewhat surprising decision to join Orlando City, who will enter the MLS fray in 2015. Until then, the ex-AC Milan star will play on loan with Sao Paulo – the second time in his career that he has represented the Brazilian heavyweights.