Modric, Ceballos, Ansu... transition is inexorable

Transition is never easy, but it is inexorable. In Spain we know the meaning of the term well: we went from dictatorship to democracy in a tough and courageous period led by a politician called Adolfo Suarez, who knew how to adapt and lead the change with intelligence and courage, key concepts for dealing with these situations. Less important, of course, is transition in football. Moving from the old to the new requires a combination of sensitivity and a firm hand to respect the legends while making way for the young. It is a law of life, nothing and no one is immune to the passage of time. At Real Madrid, for example, times of change are coming. The generation of the five Champions League titles is running out, squeezed to the maximum, but still in play. The club knows that Modric could embark on an Arab adventure, which would be a boost for Ceballos, a decade younger, to gain continuity in the Madrid project of the future. The fans, of course, are backing him with chants. Kroos, meanwhile, is thinking about it, but everything suggests that he will continue for another season with a notably lesser role due to the push of Camavinga and Tchoaumeni for places.

Benzema is a complex case. His physique is beginning to suffer, Ancelotti is already managing his minutes, and the young Alvaro Rodríguez is making a bright appearance. Ten minutes in Pamplona were enough to certify that there is a striker there, that he can be used without risk, that Karim's absence is no longer a drama. The key here will be Ancelotti's dressing room management. The Italian, who has already experienced everything in football, is doing it well, progressively, without traumas or big headlines, respecting the legends with facts and statements and increasing the role of the young players. At Barça, it has been hard to leave behind the generation that Van Gaal opted for (Valdés, Puyol, Xavi, Iniesta) and that Guardiola brought to the top, with the best Messi and Busquets, but it is now a reality. The fans, as happens at the Bernabeu with Ceballos, ask for the continuity of Ansu Fati. It is clear, they like what is new, what is home-grown. Transition works when all parties assume that time catches up with everyone. How to face that moment marks the boundary between a dignified farewell and a bitter one.

WHISTLES AND APPLAUSE:

Griezmann is half of what Atletico Madrid are. His return was controversial, he struggled to get back to his old self, but now we are seeing Griezmann at his best. His goal and his game against Athletic were extraordinary.

Gabri Veiga's future is immense. At just 20 years of age, he has put Celta on his back. He proved it again against Real Sociedad with a spectacular display of midfield dominance.

Baraja's Valencia needs Mestalla. A new era begins with a club legend on the bench. There is enough of a team to get out of the bottom, but the players need the support of the fans. Unity is key to save themselves.

Canales for Spain. He is half of Betis, or more. His importance to the team is huge, with assists, goals and leadership. He encourages his teammates, suffers defeats and celebrates victories. Luis de la Fuente should reward him with what Luis Enrique denied him.