In a team of faltering stars, Kroos continues to show his class for Real Madrid

Stefan Bienkowski

• Updated: 22 Nov 2021 09:56 CST
• 5 min read

It took Toni Kroos just 19 minutes to strike in Real Madrid’s La Liga clash with Granada on Sunday afternoon.

From the centre circle and indeed his centre stage, the German midfielder carefully weaved a through ball to the on-running Marcos Asensio to allow the forward to march down on goal to open the scoring.

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Then, just six minutes later, Kroos was once again at the heart of Madrid’s second goal, when a quick one-two with Luka Modric from the corner allowed the midfielder to pick up Nacho Fernandez to make it 2-0.

Goals from Vinicius Jr and Ferland Mendy would double Madrid’s lead in the second half but the match had been one within the first 30 minutes. And it was all down to one of Madrid’s most evergreen and consistent stars.

Despite missing the first seven league games of the season through injury, Kroos has been back in Carlo Ancelotti’s starting XI for the past six games and quickly reestablished himself as one of the capital side’s most important players. As the Spanish press made clear on Sunday evening.

“[Gareth] Bale, [Eden] Hazard, have you seen Toni? The Welshman and Belgian should take a leaf of Kroos' book,” said Marca in sheer enthusiasm for Kroos.

“A real footballer with heart and soul. Kroos has once again given a lesson in professionalism and career management.”

A goal or assist every other game

Indeed, the former Germany international now has one goal and two assists in just over 500 minutes of league football for Madrid this season.

Not only does that put him on an impressive average of 0.54 goals or assists per 90 for this season, but it suggests that he intends on matching his almost identical average from last season of 0.55 goals or assists per 90 in La Liga.

With so many ageing and faltering stars in Ancelotti’s side - such as the aforementioned Bale and Hazard - Madrid fans will undoubtedly take a huge amount of confidence from the manner in which Kroos has returned from injury and got straight back to work.

In this perilous, transitional season for the club, the German midfielder may prove to be the most reliable player this team has to call on.