Toni Kroos will see his contract at Real Madrid expire this summer, but Los Blancos should consider extending his tenure given his pivotal role in the team.
Toni Kroos has won it all with Real Madrid. The German midfielder has been a mainstay in their team for years now, helping them dominate Spain as well as Europe. But, his future at the club is uncertain with his contract running out at the end of the season.
Despite being 34, Kroos has been performing at a very high level, and he has come out of retirement to help Germany in the upcoming Euros in the summer. The fact that Julian Nagelsmann has pushed for the former Bayern Munich star’s comeback is a clear indication of how good he still is.
Let’s do it! pic.twitter.com/eS13HQli7Z
— Toni Kroos (@ToniKroos) February 22, 2024
While Real Madrid have some of the best young midfielders in their ranks and have enough depth to cope with the absence of both Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, it will still be very important for Los Blancos to keep hold on to Kroos for another season to ensure a smooth transition.
Moreover, it is not just about helping the team transition smoothly. The German midfielder brings a lot to the table that Real Madrid really need. He is a key player that Carlo Ancelotti cannot afford to lose, and he is crucial for the team’s plans going forward. The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at why Los Blancos should push hard for Kroos’s renewal.
Luka Modric’s imminent departure
Luka Modric is already 38, and the Croat’s contract also runs out in the summer. While he has featured in 32 matches, Modric has only had over 1,500 minutes of first-team football. Given the kind of role he has had this term, a new deal for him looks highly unlikely.
While his experience still comes in handy, those around him with fresh legs will always be preferred at Real Madrid. Even the Croatian international will prefer leaving and playing regular football in the last phase of his career elsewhere.
Modric’s impending departure will be a big blow given the kind of importance he holds in the team and dressing room. And, in order to ensure they cope with his loss in the best possible way, Real Madrid need to ensure they do not lose Toni Kroos in the same window amid speculation surrounding his future.
At 34, Kroos remains a top performer for Real Madrid
Despite being 34, Toni Kroos has arguably been Real Madrid’s best player after Jude Bellingham. He might not have the limelight because he has not scored enough. But, the German midfielder has done an exceptional job as a central midfielder as well as a defensive midfielder while the Merengues were in the midst a huge injury crisis earlier this season.
He has featured in 37 matches this term and has racked up close to 2,400 minutes so far. Kroos has even contributed towards eight goals. He has been a regular in their starting XI during the big games this season, which highlights his importance in the team. While his game time could take a hit next season, his presence in the dressing room could be very important for Ancelotti.
Toni Kroos pass accuracy in the Champions League since joining Real Madrid:
▶ 2014/15: 95.1%
▶ 2015/16: 94.6%
▶ 2016/17: 93.4%
▶ 2017/18: 93.9%
▶ 2018/19: 94.0%
▶ 2019/20: 93.8%
▶ 2020/21: 92.9%
▶ 2021/22: 93.9%
▶ 2022/23: 93.8%
▶ 2023/24: 97.17% pic.twitter.com/D0d6cEccxW— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) February 13, 2024
Kroos’s leadership and tactical acumen
Not only will he keep helping the youngsters around him, he will make sure they know what it means to play for Los Blancos. With Ancelotti extending his stay at Real Madrid, the Italian is expected to push hard for the 34-year-old’s contract extension.
His availability will give their manager the confidence that he has someone who can not only take control of the situation but can also change the pace of the game when he wants to.
Kroos’s tactical prowess and his ability to dictate the pace of the game and control the tempo are qualities that make him a special player. His presence will give the youngsters around him the confidence to fully express themselves.
It will also give Ancelotti the luxury of having a player in his ranks who can switch gears whenever needed and is amongst the best when it comes to understanding the flow of the game and when to put the foot on the accelerator.
Real Madrid are well know for the manner in which they deal with their stars. Los Blancos have often sanctioned the departure of some of their stars despite their high-level performances to ensure they maintain the level of performance and keep preparing for the future.
While they have parted ways with some of their best players in the recent past and can surely afford to let Luka Modric and Toni Kroos leave in the summer. The German international still has a lot to offer and they should ensure he stays at the Santiago Bernabéu for the 2024/25 season.
