“Toni Kroos learned a lot from me” - Ex-Barcelona midfielder reveals what Real Madrid legend lacked when they played together

Former Barcelona midfielder Arturo Vidal opened up on his time alongside Real Madrid icon Toni Kroos. The Chilean and the German featured together for Bayer Leverkusen between 2009 and 2010, with the 34-year-old sent on loan there from parent club Bayern Munich.

Vidal claimed that while Kroos was a technically gifted player, he lacked the touch and suggested that he and Brazilian midfielder Renato Augusto were major influences in his game.

Speaking to Spanish outlet Diario AS, he said:

"Toni Kroos learned a lot from me, we played together at Bayer Leverkusen.

"He came on loan from Bayern, he was good technically, but lacked the touch, he came to me & Renato Augusto and we explained him what football was like, we taught him a lot."

Having come up through Bayern Munich's youth system, Kroos had a few appearances for the senior side, making his debut in September 2007. He spent 18 months on loan with Leverkusen before eventually becoming a starter for the Bavarian side on returning.

Eventually, he left the club to join Real Madrid in 2014. He went on to establish himself as one of the icons in Los Blancos' glittering history, winning La Liga four times and the Champions League five times.

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Real Madrid re-enter race for Barcelona midfield target: Reports

Kimmich could leave Bayern in the summer.

Joshua Kimmich could leave Bayern Munich in the summer, with multiple top clubs across Europe interested in him. According to Sky Germany's Florian Plettenberg, the 29-year-old is set to enter the last year of his deal with the Bavarian side with new manager Vincent Kompany reportedly considering other options in midfield.

Plettenberg claims that the likes of Manchester City, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Liverpool and Arsenal are the sides Kimmich is interested in joining. The interest from Barcelona is mutual, who are keen on signing the midfielder who has insisted that he would not sign an extension with the Bundesliga giants.

To avoid losing him on a free, Bayern could sell the player this summer, which could be positive news for Barcelona who are amidst heavy financial restrictions.

Real Madrid are also in the running. While they initially ruled out a possible move for him, Toni Kroos' decision to announce his retirement has caused a change in their stance. The 29-year-old is considered an adept replacement for the outgoing German owing to his versatility and ability on the ball.

Should they be unable to sign him in the summer, a move next year when he becomes a free agent is also considered.