Starting as a Defensive Midfielder at Real Madrid

This man began as a completely unremarkable defensive midfielder.

Then, by chance, he learned a bit about organizing play... then a bit about carrying the ball forward... and then free kicks too.

And just like that, the football world got lively.

Kaká and Cristiano Ronaldo loved playing with him—handsome, eloquent, and most importantly, the guy who covered their backs so they could focus on attacking up front.

Messi had a love-hate relationship with him. Every time he played against Barcelona, he got fired up—and somehow always dragged Messi into playing brotherly football.

All number 8s loved playing alongside him—his coverage was everywhere, his pressure resistance was second to none.

He was the ultimate shield in front of center-backs, the perfect partner to midfielders, and the strongest wall behind the forwards.

Xabi Alonso was his mentor, Mourinho his boss, and Pogba? Just his junior.

Whenever a reporter asked him how he got so good, he'd always reply:

“Train like hell. Give it everything you’ve got!”