Real Madrid 4-2 Granada: 5 Talking Points and Tactical Analysis | La Liga 2019/20

#3 Toni Kroos crowds a jam-packed treatment table

Toni Kroos

Over the past couple of seasons, Toni Kroos and his place in the side has come under immense scrutiny. Often accused of lacking energy and looking a little too lacklustre, the midfielder has drawn negative eyeballs for his languid style of play.

Yet, the German has weathered that storm and has been an ever-present in a Madrid team that has shuffled its pack quite frequently. However, that hasn’t meant that his performances have always peaked.

Nevertheless, Kroos’ importance to the team can’t be overstated enough, especially considering the attributes he brings to the table. Capable of controlling the pace of an encounter, the German’s exemplary passing ability and vision enable Madrid to break several lines of presses.

In addition, the midfielder is a metronomic passer who keeps play ticking and rarely gives the ball away, meaning that the Los Blancos players can harbour hopes of venturing forward.

Even against Granada, Kroos started the game and stamped his authority. Alongside Casemiro, the German ensured that the hosts dominated the early exchanges, an aspect that enabled them to mount several attacks.

However, after his injury, Madrid found it tough to control the game as much, thereby allowing Granada to establish themselves in the game and nearly pull off an improbable comeback.

Though Modric remains an adept replacement, the Croatian and the German boast different skill-sets, suggesting that they are better functioning in tandem.

Thus, the injury to Kroos could have massive implications on the Los Blancos’ season in the upcoming weeks. And, while he hasn’t always torn teams to shreds over the past eighteen months, there’s no denying that he remains one of the most vital cogs in the Madrid wheel.