Former Manchester United defender, Rio Ferdinand, said, “Real Madrid need a controller, manipulator, rythym maker.”
The Englishman’s statement is coming following Real Madrid’s loss to Barcelona in the final of Copa Del Rey.
Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 3-2 in the final of the Copa Del Rey 2024/25 on Saturday 26 April, 2025 at Seville, thanks to Jules Kounde’s 116th minute winner.
The former England player said, “@realmadriden have a problem.. @ToniKroos retired and @lukamodric10 isn’t getting any younger”, adding, “they have great players but are missing this important ingredient in their mix of players now”.
Following his assessment of the current Real Madrid, Ferdinand (X/@rioferdy5) opined: “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!”
Read: Barcelona beat Real Madrid 3-2 in Copa Del Rey 2024/25 final
