There is not a whisker of a doubt that Arsenal fans would love to have Dani Ceballos back in London. The Real Madrid loanee has surely been one of their top players last season. Having rejected loan offers from Italy and Spain of late, Ceballos has a specific destination in his mind – “Only Arsenal”.
Not favoured at Real Madrid due to the legendary trio of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Casemiro, Ceballos is too good to warm the bench at Santiago Bernabeu. A Spanish connection with new Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta would only do wonders for the midfielder’s perspective game.
Ceballos’ case has been a really curious one. He is a fan-favourite in the red half of London, though he still continues to be an outcast at Madrid.
The Revival of Dani Ceballos at Arsenal
Change of Midfield Role at Arsenal
Though Ceballos was never the first choice of any Real Madrid manager, he did make 23 appearances for Los Blancos in his last full season in Spain. In the 13 starts that he was handed in the white Madrid shirt, the Spanish International even scored three goals, which is a pretty decent statistic considering his less playing time.
To sum it up, Ceballos’ Madrid role has been more of an advanced midfielder.
On the contrary at Arsenal, Ceballos has been the peace-maker in the otherwise chaotic Arsenal midfield. Lucas Torreira‘s form has dipped to new lows. Matteo Guendouzi is still settling in his life in England. Ceballos was quick to adapt in the Premier League.
With the Gunners, the 24-year-old has played the role of a deep-lying playmaker. He has almost doubled his progressive distance at Arsenal (4007 yards) than his Real Madrid stint (2699 yards). He is also an artist on the field, dribbling his way out of the midfield with his technical abilities.
Ceballos had a 70.3% dribble success rate last season. This was way more compared to his Madrid average of 60.1%. Not only that, but the Gunners’ starlet last season even made 190 recoveries last season, which was one of the best numbers for his position in the league.
Does Dani Ceballos Have a Future at Real Madrid?
Truth be told, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos might just have a maximum of two or three seasons under their belt at Real Madrid. While this may seem a long time, the Galacticos would need midfield icons to start emulating their current stars before they depart the Bernabeu.
But considering the importance that Ceballos has received under Zinedine Zidane, it seems highly unlikely that he could make it as the first-team regular in the Spanish capital.
Nevertheless, with the talented midfielder all set for a comeback to the Premier League, Real Madrid’s loss is surely becoming Arsenal’s gain.
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