Does Real Madrid's Signing of Lucas Silva Spell the End for Asier Illarramendi?

When new Real Madrid signing Lucas Silva spoke in the press room of the Santiago Bernabeu for his press conference after his unveiling on Monday, it was impossible not to reflect on the words of Asier Illarramendi 18 months earlier upon his own move to the Spanish capital. 

"This is a dream, it's a new chapter for me," Silva said, according to the club's official website, after arriving from Cruzeiro for £9.7 million, per BBC Sport.

"Opportunities come about and you have to be ready to take them," the Brazilian added. 

It was the same sentiment that had been expressed by Illarramendi, when his move from Real Sociedad was announced in July 2013.

"I came to the conclusion that it was an offer I couldn't refuse," the Basque midfielder said at the time. "It's a unique opportunity." 

There are a lot of similarities between the pair: They've both represented their countries at under-21 level, they're both viewed as long-term prospects, they're both holding midfielders, they're both in their early 20s and they're now both at the Bernabeu. 

But it seems unlikely that both will get the "opportunity" they've spoken of. And after Silva's arrival, one senses Illarramendi might be edging toward an exit. 

Paul White/Associated Press

Responding to such suggestions, manager Carlo Ancelotti insisted last week that the former La Real star wouldn't be sold despite the signing of the Brazilian.  

At his pre-match news conference ahead of Los Blancos' clash with Cordoba, the Italian said:

"

We don't have that idea at the moment.

He (Illarramendi) hasn't played much recently but that does not alter the confidence we have in him and his importance to the dressing room and the team.

I think to have a motivated team you need players who are available and professional in all the training sessions and Illarra is one of them.

If I need him I will play him as I have total confidence in him operating in central midfield.

"

But so often words mean little in these circumstances; it's one's actions that count. And Ancelotti, despite his trademark diplomacy that underpins the harmony of his squads, has shown a reluctance to use Illarramendi this season and has now signed a direct competitor at his position. 

Andres Kudacki/Associated Press

It's a difficult situation for the Spaniard. As recently as December, this very writer believed his emergence took a big step with a sumptuous passing display against Ludogorets in the Champions League—a performance that suggested Ancelotti had a great "depth of elite options at the core of the system."

Yet, he's made just two starts since, one of which came in the waltz past Cruz Azul in the semi-final of the Club World Cup in Morocco.

Once again, he's been forced to get familiar with his position on the sideline.

For Silva, Illarramendi's plight should serve as a reminder that there are few guarantees at Real Madrid—that once the goodwill of one's extravagant unveiling at the Bernabeu fades, it's an uncompromising home for a footballer.

Though he's arrived after an impressive stint at Cruzeiro and has been spoken of highly by Ancelotti, he only needs to look at Illarramendi—a £34 million signing and a player who represented a renewed commitment by Real Madrid to elite Spanish talent—as an example of how fine the margins are.

It's very easy to find yourself on the outer looking in. 

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Perhaps favouring the Brazilian is that, as noted by Nicholas Rigg of ESPN FC, he's very much in the mould of Ancelotti's preferred holding midfielder, Toni Kroos.

Since coming to Spain from Bayern Munich, the German has been a wonderful replacement for Xabi Alonso, but he is much more of a deep orchestrator than a defensive midfielder inclined to sit and hold. In fact, it's Kroos' outstanding passing range that he developed while playing much further forward in Bavaria that's enabled him to perform his current role with ease. 

Silva, possessing a similar game and stature, looks like the sort of option Ancelotti might prefer to utilise when looking for opportunities to rest his pre-eminent midfielder. 

Interestingly, the Real Madrid boss has had chances to sit Kroos at various junctures this season—particularly after the German admitted to feeling fatigued back in November—but hasn't seemed to have held confidence in Illarramendi's ability to adequately cover. 

It was the same situation when Luka Modric went down with injury: Many expected the Basque midfielder to play a leading role, but he instead watched Isco switch into the Croatian's position. 

Now, amid a difficult period where starts and minutes are hard to come by, Illarramendi faces another competitor in the form of Silva. 

The Brazilian could possibly be the signing who forces Illarramendi into an eventual exit.