Antonio Blanco can provide energetic alternative to Real Madrid's famed midfield three

When you look at a Real Madrid lineup, the words 'world class' pop out at you from every single part of the pitch - and the midfield is no exception.

The trio of Casemiro, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos simply ooze class and quality and they've been one of the most solid, creative and dynamic midfields for years. But, as they say, time waits for no man.

In front of Casemiro, a 31-year-old Kroos has played 40 times this campaign while 35-year-old Modric has featured 43 times. It really showed in Los Blancos' 1-1 draw with Chelsea in the first leg of their Champions League semi final tie on Tuesday night.

Casemiro's taste for an occasional surge forward to utilise his aerial prowess in the box was proving costly time after time. Modric and Kroos simply could not cover their colleague and keep up with the energy of N'Golo Kante, Mason Mount and Christian Pulisic, leaving unheard of amounts of space for the Blues players to drive forward in.

The Croat and German seemed to let the game pass them by, uncharacteristically looked lost and hopeless and made no impact on proceedings at all - in fact, you could say they were somewhat of a hindrance at times.

But that's to be expected when players in their twilight years have been forced to play through an injury crisis. Fede Valverde would be the obvious choice to fill into central areas, but he has often featured out wide to cover for deputising full back Lucas Vazquez (who is also now sidelined) and, once the Uruguayan recovers from Covid-19, you'd expect him to be used in the same way to manage Dani Carvajal's return from injury. Isco is another option in that area, but the Spaniard is simply too attack-minded to provide what is needed.

So who's the answer to this box-to box dilemma for Zinedine Zidane? Step in: Antonio Blanco.

Yes, he is only 20 years old; yes, he's only played for Real Madrid three times; and yes, only one of those was a start. But there's no doubt that this guy's impressive.

The midfielder - who was included in The Guardian's 'Next Generation' in 2017 - made his full debut against Cadiz in a 3-0 La Liga win, partnering Casemiro in the centre of the field. The absence of two of Los Blancos' most phenomenal servants was barely noticeable - Blanco injected energy, confidence, thrust and assurance in midfield, all while making an impact on proceedings.

The 20-year-old's 57 completed passes - giving him a 93% pass accuracy - was Real's second highest on the night, while his six balls into the final third was unmatched by anyone on the field throughout the game. Blanco kept his side ticking with simple, effective, and clever passes and helped develop moves throughout.

Defensively, his legs and spatial awareness provided the perfect balance with Casemiro. Blanco covered intelligently whenever the Brazilian moved upfield and finished the match with five interventions to help break up play when Cadiz looked to counter. He really is an all round midfielder.

The Real Madrid youth product might not be a star attraction but, with Zizou's trust, he can become one. For the time being, Los Blancos' midfield was glaringly leggy in the draw with Chelsea and it's certain there needs to be a solution for the last stretch of the campaign.

While Blanco may not yet be ready for the biggest stage in club football, his 90-minute display against Cadiz is proof enough that he can step up to the first team, provide an option for his manager in times of need, and put in some great performances.