He did things pragmatically; he did things without bells and whistles. Stereotypically, as a German, he did
things efficiently. Despite Madrid’s shortcomings as a collective last season, Toni Kroos shone in his first season in the Spanish capital. So far this season, however, the former Bayern Munich man has failed to produce the same kind of impact.
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Kroos has not been poor in the opening few months of the campaign. Indeed, only Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcelo have played more matches than the German so far this season – featuring in all ten league matches – and Madrid are sitting pretty at the top of the table having enjoyed one of their best starts in years. The 25-year-old has been an important cog in that but his influence has not been as great as his debut season at the Bernabeu.
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The statistics show that Kroos has produced just two assists in all competitions so far this term but his role in Madrid’s side goes beyond that. Last season, alongside Luka Modric, he was the man to call the tune with his pinpoint passing and usual calm persona in the middle of the pitch. He was the man who paved the way for the chances to be carved out – the second stop in a four-stop cycle from defence to attack.
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Now, despite being overworked and seemingly un- droppable under Carlo Ancelotti last season, the German international’s place is under threat just three weeks before the crucial El Clasico meeting with Barcelona at the Bernabeu.
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In the 3-1 victory over Las Palmas on Saturday, Madrid’s No.8 played in a role more fitting to his shirt number. Since arriving in Spain, Kroos has played as a more defence- minded midfielder, a role that differed to that with Bayern and the German national team, but Rafa Benitez has tried the World Cup-winner in a variety of positions already this season. That flexibility is good for the club, especially with Benitez, a coach who likes to rotate, in charge, but that could also scupper his chances of starting in the big games when all of his teammates are available.
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Rewind the clock back to the summer and it would have been unthinkable to have the German sat on the bench. Some Madridistas will still tow the same line of thought but the emergence of Casemiro as a solid, out-and-out defensive midfielder ready for the toughest matches has cast the No.8’s role in doubt.
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The Brazilian has played alongside Kroos this term and although his impressive performances in a role protecting the back-four have also freed Kroos up to boost Madrid’s attack, Benitez has an embarrassment of riches at his disposal that will cause him a welcome selection headache when all are fit and available.
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The expectancy is that Cristiana Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale will start most games and that leaves three other positions up for grabs. Bidding for a starting place are Kroos, Luka Modric, Casemiro, James Rodriguez and Isco, realistically, while Lucas Vazquez and Mateo Kovacic are likely to provide back-up.
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