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2. Toni Kroos
Toni Kroos has looked jaded this season and has been uncharacteristically sloppy. Thus, it came as no surprise that Real Madrid suffered and failed to control games as they would’ve liked.
However, against Viktoria Plzen, he put in his best performance of the season. The German dictated the tempo of the game and was tidy on the ball. His best moment came when he slipped in Gareth Bale, only for the referee to rule it out for offside.
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On paper, Real Madrid possess one of the best midfielders across Europe. But after a tiring World Cup, Modric and Casemiro have been a pale shadow of themselves. Their exhaustion coupled with Kroos’ sloppiness has led to a rough patch for the club.
The sooner Real Madrid can establish control in midfield, the quicker they’ll be able to get on to the front foot. Hence, Kroos’ role is paramount. With the El Clasico on the horizon, a virtuoso performance by the German sniper would go a long way in Real Madrid earning the bragging rights over their eternal rivals.
If there is any player who can turn the Bernabeu outfit’s season around, it is the metronomic Kroos. However, only time will tell if the German can actually be Real Madrid’s talisman this season.
