Manchester City's Phil Foden names Real Madrid superstar as the toughest opponent he's faced this season

Manchester City attacker Phil Foden has named Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos as the toughest opponent he's faced this season. The duo battled during the two European giants' UEFA Champions League quarterfinal tie.

Foden spoke to The Football Writers' Association after he was named the FWA Footballer of the Year. The in-form City forward participated in a Q&A and was asked who the toughest team and player he's faced have been:

"Real Madrid and Toni Kroos."

Real Madrid beat Manchester City 4-3 on penalties after an enthralling 4-4 draw on aggregate. Kroos pulled the strings for Los Blancos during the two legs and has been crucial for Carlo Ancelotti throughout the season.

Kroos, 34, has appeared 46 times across competitions, registering one goal and nine assists. Some expected him to take more of a backseat this season with Madrid's midfield in a transition but he's been a mainstay in their team.

The 108-cap Germany international is on the cusp of winning his sixth Champions League winners' medal. Real Madrid face Borussia Dortmund in the final on June 1 having already won the La Liga title and Supercopa de Espana.

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Real Madrid superstar Toni Kroos could join Phil Foden at Manchester City this summer: Reports

Toni Kroos appears to be on Pep Guardiola's radar.

Kroos has been linked with a move to Manchester City with his contract expiring this summer. The German has been talks over a new deal but Guardiola appears to be interested in reuniting with his former Bayern Munich playmaker.

Defensa Central reports that City are keeping tabs on Kroos' situation. They are willing to offer him a two-year deal with wages of £13 million per year. He's yet to play in the Premier League but could make the switch to the Etihad as a free agent.

Kroos is set to decide his future after Euro 2024 where he'll be representing Germany in his homeland. He came out of international retirement to link up with Julian Nagelsmann's Die Mannschaft.

Guardiola may be looking to bolster his midfield after losing Ilkay Gundogan last summer. He signed Matheus Nunes and Mateo Kovacic as replacements but the pair haven't staked their claim as the former Manchester City captain's true heir.

Kalvin Phillips looks likely to depart having spent the second half of the season on loan at West Ham United. Kevin De Bruyne has been linked with a move to the MLS while Bernardo Silva's future is uncertain.