This is how Hugo Larsson plays: the next 'midfield maestro' for Real Madrid

One of Xabi Alonso'stransfer requests after the Club World Cup, which ultimately was not fulfilled, is a creative midfielder. Preferably with a defensive profile, to finally replace Toni Kroos. So far, the board led by Florentino Pérez had considered several names, but only one has stood out above the rest: Hugo Larsson.

This Swedish midfielder is not only recognized in the Bundesliga as an excellent pivot: he has also developed a particular versatility that allows him to play in practically any area of the midfield. That is one of the main reasons that have attracted Real Madrid to the footballer now at Eintracht Frankfurt.

However, the young Swedish midfielder's career did not begin with the German team. His first steps in the European football elite came at Malmö, where he was developed as a midfielder. His first-team debut helped the blue team win the League and Cup that season, but Eintracht Frankfurt had already noticed his talent.

Thus, Hugo Larsson left his home country and moved to German soccer for just €9 million. It has been in the Bundesliga, one of the five most important national competitions in the world of soccer, where he has forged a style that is so appreciated by Real Madrid to complete its squad. Not even Larsson himself is sure about his ideal position.

The ideal footballer

"I see myself as a box-to-box player. Preferably as a number "8," although I also like playing as a "10"", he said in an interview some time ago. However, the official website of his club significantly limits his range of action: "he plays more comfortably at the base of the midfield, protecting his defense", acting as a pivot.

Despite the limitations offered by the position now occupied by Tchouaméni at Real Madrid, Hugo Larsson "has the technical ability to break lines and deliver killer passes". The holding ability of the Swedish footballer is reminiscent of one of the benchmarks in that position and role: Rodrigo Hernández, Spanish midfielder for Manchester City.

It is these comparisons with Rodri, whose style would serve to define Hugo Larsson's performances on the field, that have also led Real Madrid to seek his signing. The "16" sky blue was one of the potential targets considered to reshape the midfield, so it is natural that the club is interested in acquiring his footballing successor.

The signing of Hugo Larsson would be directly associated with the role currently held by Arda Güler with Xabi Alonso. The Turkish "15" creates play and opportunities in the first team, but the greater experience of the Swedish midfielder in that role would change the approach developed so far.