How Toni Kroos’ masterclass earned Real Madrid a draw last night, amid contract talks with the Germany international.
Real Madrid’s goal that advanced them to the round of 16 of the Champions League has earned Toni Kroos praise as a football genius.
The defending European champions and Shakhtar Donetsk drew 1-1 away from home, with Antonio Rudiger scoring a thrilling equalizer in the 95th minute.
Rudiger was as courageous as ever, but Kroos was the one who planned the last-ditch attack.
Real had the ball in Kroos’ hands in the middle of the field in the 91st minute.
Under little pressure from Shakhtar, Kroos waved his arms aloft in a bid to get Rudiger to join the attack.
The Germany international charged up the pitch and gave Los Blancos skipper Karim Benzema a helping hand in the box.
Kroos then swung in a superb cross right on the head of the former Chelsea man, whose header was just past the post and had Anatoliy Trubin worried for a second.
Minutes later and with Real continue to throw the kitchen sink, the very same combination worked for the 14-time European Cup winners.
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It was genuinely a carbon copy situation, with Kroos producing a deep cross from an identical position.
Rudiger was once more in the area, but this time, when Trubin attempted to recover the ball, Real’s No. 22 beat him to it and headed in the game-tying goal with seconds remaining.
After a violent accident, he was ultimately fully knocked out and left a bloody mess that required 20 stitches.
However, Kroos’ intelligence on display demonstrates why he is among the finest at what he does in his position.
With moves like these, it’s understandable why many believe Kroos would make a great coach whenever he hangs up those recognizable Adipure boots.
Last year, during the second leg of the Champions League semi-final victory against Manchester City, Carlo Ancelotti took the recommendations of Kroos and Marcelo and let them make the substitutions.
