Their midfield is now totally unbalanced

Toni Kroos and Luka Modric are very good players, there is no doubting that, but they are both a little bit lightweight – and that is exposed against the better sides.

Not only is the vision and passing provided by Alonso a massive miss, but his tackling and physical presence in the middle of the park is a huge loss, which compounded with the injury and potential sale of Sami Khedira, has left a hole in the midfield and a headache for Carlo Ancelotti.