Real Madrid midfielder slowly winning over Xabi Alonso after impressive display vs Kairat Almaty | OneFootball

For yet another summer, Dani Ceballos’ departure from Real Madrid seemed imminent. He was on the verge of signing for Marseille, but the move collapsed at the last moment.

The 29-year-old midfielder hesitated and chose to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu, convinced he could earn his place and change Xabi Alonso’s mind.

Ceballos slowly convincing Xavi

Now, MARCA reports that Ceballos is beginning to convince Alonso and is gaining weight in this Real Madrid team.

This comes after the Spanish international’s impressive display against Kairat Almaty on Tuesday night, where he started in the middle of the park.

Ceballos completed 101 of his 106 passes. A statistic that reflects not only accuracy, but also his ability to give continuity and direction to the team’s play.

Growing in stature. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

Few interpret play from deep as he does, providing clarity in the build-up and control in midfield. For Alonso, who wants a team that rules through the ball, there are few other players who fit the model as naturally.

Arda Guler shares some of these traits, but plays higher up. Aurelien Tchouameni is more defensive, while Fede Valverde and Jude Bellingham are better at arriving late in the box.

Eduardo Camavinga does have the technical ability, but his dynamism often pulls him out of position. All these combined are making Ceballos slowly win over the manager.

The 29-year-old is not yet an undisputed starter – he has only started three of Real Madrid’s nine games this season – but the Spaniard’s profile is emerging as one of the squad’s best creative options.