In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, retired Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos offered insights into the club’s ongoing search for a player to fill the void left by his departure. Kroos, a cornerstone of Real Madrid’s midfield during his decade-long tenure, retired in 2024 after a storied career. His comments come as the club navigates a transitional phase under new manager Xabi Alonso.
“They’re still missing a profile like mine, they’re still looking for it,” Kroos stated. “There aren’t many players like that, and the ones that are there aren’t easy to get.” His remarks highlight the challenge Real Madrid faces in replacing his unique blend of vision, passing, and game control, qualities that defined the team’s dominance in recent years.
Kroos also addressed Alonso’s early tenure as manager, urging patience as the former midfielder implements his vision. “It’s too early to judge Xabi’s Real Madrid,” he said. “It takes time to evaluate the changes and implementation of his ideas.” Alonso, who took the helm in 2024, has been tasked with maintaining the club’s high standards while introducing a new tactical approach.
Kroos expressed confidence in Alonso’s ability to steer the team forward. “I’m sure Xabi knows how to correct things, as there are things that need to change, because with so much quality – things have to go well,” he added. Real Madrid’s squad, packed with talent like Vinícius Jr., Jude Bellingham, and Kylian Mbappé, remains a powerhouse, but fine-tuning is needed to reclaim their La Liga and Champions League dominance.
As Real Madrid continues its search for a Kroos-like midfielder and adapts to Alonso’s leadership, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the team evolves in the coming months.
