Midfield 'maestro' Toni Kroos decides where he will play next season
Toni Kroos will stay at Real Madrid for another season. According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the German will extend his contract until mid-2025. Let's take a look back at Kroos' impressive career at Madrid so far.
When you think of Real Madrid's number 8, only one name comes to mind, that of the legendary Toni Kroos. The German midfielder is regarded as one of the best midfielders in the game. His great vision and his unmatched passing ability still make him a crucial pillar in the Real Madrid squad.
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After a decade at the Santiago Bernabeu, Kroos has engraved his legacy with his unique playing style and his remarkable consistency. He is adored by fans and respected by teammates and coaches.
Kroos is a very influential figure in the dressing room and a great role model for future Madridistas. The German midfielder has experienced some incredible highs, winning countless titles.
He has three La Liga titles with Real Madrid, and four UEFA Champions League titles, three of which were won consecutively in 2016-2018. And let us not forget his legendary 2014 World Cup.
But with a club of the stature of Real Madrid, the pressure is on to perform in every match. Kroos has experienced the tough lows at the Bernabeu, where fans and local media enter a delirium. The Real Madrid DNA demands victories and championships.
“Madrid has very demanding and emotional supporters, they’re either on cloud nine or feel lower than low. I’m not like that. I’m always kind of in the middle emotionally. I stay away from newspapers and reading things online but, of course, you can’t help but feel the club becoming unsettled when the results are wrong. But it wouldn’t make much sense to get carried away," shared Kroos during an interview for Marca.
Kroos' tranquility can be mistaken as apathy, but that is incorrect. He is a pure competitive animal who remains calm under immense pressure. The German midfielder is a true leader on the pitch, managing game tempo and keeping everything in check.
“Kroos’ greatest trait is his consistency, he rarely ever produces a poor performance. Out of a 60-game season, he plays 57 to 58 at an elite level. Part of that is down to his trust in his abilities. Kroos has publicly stated that he doesn’t get nervous, not even walking out for a Champions League final," shared Matt Wiltse during a La Liga Lowdown interview.
Toni Kroos was born on January 4th, 1990, in Greifswald, Germany. He grew up in a very sporty family, and he seemed a natural with football. During his early years, he joined Greifswalder Sport-Club, his local team, where he began to develop as a professional.
Kroos later joined Fußballclub Hansa Rostock, where he established himself as a potential world-class player. At 16, FC Bayern Munich knocked on his door and signed him for €2.3m, according to Transfermarkt.
During the 2007-08 season, Toni Kroos carved himself a spot in Bayern Munich's main squad. He was just 17 at the time of his official debut.
During his Bundesliga debut, young Kroos provided two great assists in 18 minutes! Nevertheless, he needed more playing time to develop to his full potential. Bayern Munich loaned him out to Bayer Leverkusen.
Kroos returned to Bayern Munich in 2010 and became a regular starter for the German giant. The Bastian Schweinsteiger-Toni Kroos combo was lethal.
Real Madrid secured a deal with Bayern Munich in 2014, for €25m, according to Transfermarkt. A modest transfer for one of the best midfielders in the world.
Carlo Ancelotti trusted Kroos with the midfield command, and the stats backed the Italian coach. During his first season at Real Madrid, he scored 2 goals and gave 15 assists, connecting over 2300 passes with 90% pass completion.
After departing the German national team in 2021, Kroos announced he would return to the national team for the 2024 Euros, one last dance.
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At 34, Kroos holds the 'maestro' status. He continues to deliver alongside his close friend Luka Modric, two Real Madrid veterans who will forever live in the hearts of Madridistas. Enjoy it while they last!