Toni Kroos’s future remains undecided about his future, leaving his teammates at Real Madrid hopeful that he will opt to stay with the club following his standout performance in the Champions League against Bayern Munich.
Kroos delivered a masterclass in Real’s gripping 2-2 draw in the semi-final first leg, showcasing his skills at his former home ground in Bavaria on Tuesday night.
With Kroos’s contract set to expire in the summer after a decade-long tenure with the record 14-time Champions League winners, uncertainty looms over his next move.
“I want to win as much as possible this season — I don’t think about the future,” he said after the game.
While Vinicius Junior’s standout performance rightfully garners attention for his brace against Bayern, it’s essential to recognize the stellar contribution of Toni Kroos, who emerged as Real Madrid’s standout player in a match where they faced the threat of defeat.
Despite Thomas Tuchel’s Bayern creating more opportunities, Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti conceded that his side was outplayed, with Bayern showcasing their best form while Madrid only glimpsed their potential in fleeting moments.
In stark contrast to the inconsistent display of his teammates, Kroos exhibited supreme consistency throughout the match. His exceptional vision and precision passing, exemplified by his superb assist for Vinicius’ goal, played a pivotal role in Madrid seizing the lead.
As a former Germany international, Kroos demonstrated his mastery of the game by consistently staying a step ahead of his opponents. His ability to anticipate and execute passes, even when seemingly improbable, underscores his unrivaled presence on the pitch.
Vinicius, attuned to Kroos’s caliber, executed the perfect run, while the veteran midfielder expertly dissected the defense with his precise, incisive pass.
“We train together so much, I know Kroos very well and he knows me very well,” explained the Brazilian forward.
Vinicius’ strike partner, Rodrygo, expressed his desire for Kroos to remain with the team, highlighting the valuable impact the veteran midfielder brings to the squad.
“We always tell him (Kroos) to stay, not just one but many years more, age doesn’t matter,” Rodrygo told Movistar.
“He’s so masterful, with such class, I love playing with him, I hope he keeps going.”
Kroos showcased his all-around excellence on the field, making crucial interceptions in midfield, posing a threat from set pieces, and exhibiting impeccable passing accuracy throughout the match. In the first half-hour alone, he didn’t misplace a single pass, and by halftime, only one out of his 49 passes had gone astray. By the end of the game, an impressive 79 out of 82 passes found their mark.
Beyond his technical prowess, Kroos demonstrated his leadership and composure on multiple occasions. He offered words of reassurance to Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, advising him to stay calm after a hurried clearance. Additionally, Kroos seized attacking opportunities, notably charging up the flank early in the second half and forcing a full-stretch save from Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
Despite his commendable performance, Kroos received a yellow card for a tactical foul on Bayern striker Harry Kane and took on the captain’s armband after Nacho Fernandez was substituted. Notably, the Bayern match marked Kroos’s 10th semi-final tie in the Champions League, placing him among the most experienced players in the competition’s history. Only former Madrid winger Paco Gento, a six-time winner, has lifted the trophy more times than Kroos, who shares the record of five victories with several other players.
Towards the end of the game, Kroos appeared reluctant to be substituted, indicating his dissatisfaction despite his stellar performance.
“(It was) just for more energy, Kroos played a very good game,” explained Ancelotti.
“There are no words to define him. He is a top player, crucial for our game, for the way he controls the speed (of the game), and for his passes.”
