kroos
Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos has suggested that his former side will find it difficult to identify a player capable of replacing him.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Since retiring a Champions League winner with Real Madrid, Kroos has continued to offer his opinion on his former side on a regular basis. In their first season without the German, Los Blancos finished second in La Liga and were thumped 5-1 on aggregate by Arsenal in the Champions League - a pair of disasters that led to Carlo Ancelotti's sacking and the appointment of Xabi Alonso. Madrid have at times struggled to control games, despite possessing the world's best players, and Kroos believes that a dearth of controllers in his mould has been the key factor behind this.
Kroos
WHAT KROOS SAID
Via Mundo Deportivo, Kroos said: “They’re still missing a profile like mine, they’re still looking for it. There aren’t many players like that, and the ones that are there aren’t easy to get.
“It’s too early to judge Xabi’s Real Madrid. It takes time to evaluate the changes and implementation of his ideas.
“I’m sure Xabi knows how to correct things, as there are things that need to change, because with so much quality – things have to go well.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
When Kroos retired, Ancelotti admitted that it would be difficult to replace the German with existing options Jude Bellingham, Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde, Dani Ceballos and Eduardo Camavinga unable to match Kroos' abilities with the ball. There have been suggestions that Arda Guler could move into a more central role but the Turkish playmaker remains young. Los Blancos also pushed hard to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, but the Spanish midfielder opted to move to Arsenal.
FBL-WC-CLUB-2025-MATCH48-SALZBURG-REAL MADRID
WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?
Madrid will continue to search for the right midfielder to offer a Kroos-esque level of control to their midfield, but options remain scarce. Yet, if there is one manager who knows best about finding the right deep-lying playmaker, it would be Alonso. The new Madrid boss played 158 times in La Liga for the club and was the predecessor to Kroos' own excellence.
[(Shimizu S-Pulse) Weakness]: 1. Shimizu S-Pulse are 13th in the J1 League table. Facing 2nd-placed Kashima Antlers, they will find it hard to win this match due to their declining form, indicating doubtful motivation.2. Shimizu S-Pulse defender Yuji Takahashi and forward Sena Saito will miss this league game due to injuries.3. Shimizu S-Pulse were winless with 2 draws and 3 losses in the last 5 g...
Liverpool table fresh Guehi bidAccording to The Athletic, Liverpool have submitted a fresh bid worth £35 million ($47m) to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. The Reds had earlier seen two bids rejected by the Eagles, but they remain hopeful that this time the offer will be accepted.Fenerbahce eyeing move for EdersonTurkish Super Lig giants Fenerbahce are eyeing a move for out-of-favour Manc...
Roma medical for Liverpool fullback TsimikasAS Roma are holding a medical for Kostas Tsimikas today.The Liverpool fullback is leaving Anfield after finding himself third-choice this season behind fellow left-backs Andrew Robertson and Milos Kerkez.La Gazzetta dello Sport says the Greece international is expected in Italy today to finalise his move.Tsimikas will undergo a medical ahead of signing a...
FBL-ENG-PR-CHELSEA-FULHAMMarco Silva has demanded an explanation from the Premier League after lambasting three "shocking" refereeing decisions in Fulham's 2-0 Premier League loss at Chelsea.WHAT HAPPENED?The Whites thought they had taken the lead against their west London rivals Chelsea when 18-year-old Josh King coolly slotted past Robert Sanchez. However, the goal was chalked off by referee Rob...
[(Shonan Bellmare) Strength]: 1. Shonan Bellmare are one of the bottom teams in the table, taking 25 points and being in the relegation zone. They are strongly motivated to grab points.[(Shonan Bellmare) Neutral]: 1. Shonan Bellmare drew the last 4 home games, revealing mediocre home performances.[(Shonan Bellmare) Weakness]: 1. Shonan Bellmare lost 1-0 to Fagiano Okayama on the road in the last g...
Manchester United Training Session And Press Conference - UEFA Europa League Final 2025Chelsea have completed the signing of Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United.WHAT HAPPENED?Garnacho has signed a seven-year contract with the Blues after the two Premier League clubs agreed a deal worth a fixed £40 million fee ($54m) with a 10 per cent sell-on clause, Goal understands. The 21-year-old ha...
Marc Guehi Crystal Palace 2025-26Liverpool have launched a fresh bid for Marc Guehi as they hope that Crystal Palace will finally accept their proposal and agree to sell their star defender before the summer transfer window closes on Monday. The Reds have been linked with a move for the England international throughout the summer and the champions are determined to secure his signature.WHAT HAPPEN...
West Ham United v Lille OSC - Pre-Season FriendlyAston Villa are close to signing West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta on an initial loan with an obligation to buy next summer.WHAT HAPPENED?Villa are on the brink of agreeing a £47 million (€54m/$63m) package for Paqueta which includes a loan fee and add-ons, according to Fabrizio Romano. The report also states the 28-year-old has ac...
[(Nagoya Grampus) Strength]: 1. Nagoya Grampus currently have only 28 points and are near the bottom of the league table. To avoid relegation, they need to earn points.[(Nagoya Grampus) Neutral]: 1. Nagoya Grampus' 7 successive games ended with OVER.[(Nagoya Grampus) Weakness]: 1. Nagoya Grampus lost 2-4 to Sanfrecce Hiroshima in their last Emperor's Cup game, with poor performance.2. In the lates...
Cody Gakpo Liverpool 2025Premier League champions Liverpool have confirmed that star attacker Cody Gakpo has put pen to paper on a new long-term contract, which has extended his stay at Anfield beyond 2028. The Dutchman who joined the club in January 2023, during the Jurgen Klopp era, has established himself as a regular starter under new boss Arne Slot and has now committed his future to the Reds...
