The Return of Toni Kroos to the German National Team: Evaluation of the Legendary Midfielder’s Prospects

Ahead of the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship, the German national team has decided to reintegrate the legendary midfielder Toni Kroos into their ranks. This event has stirred a whirlwind of emotions and debates among fans and experts. The impending return of the 34-year-old midfielder to the national team after an almost three-year hiatus has become one of the most discussed topics in German football. Many have enthusiastically embraced this decision, seeing Kroos as a potential savior for the team, which is going through challenging times.

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Key Figure for a Troubled Team

Despite Kroos himself not considering himself a “savior” for the national team, his return could be a decisive factor in overcoming the difficulties the team has faced. The new head coach, Julian Nagelsmann, tasked with elevating German football to a new level, has yet to boast outstanding results. Under his guidance, the “Bundesmannschaft” has only managed one victory and one draw in the first four matches, suffering two defeats against Turkey and Austria.

The team’s performance suffers from serious issues with ball movement in the attacking third of the field and creating dangerous moments near the opponent’s goal. For example, in the match against Turkey, the Germans made only 45 passes into the final third, and in the game against Austria, they had just 15 touches in the opponent’s penalty area.

Unique Qualities of Toni Kroos

Kroos’ return could be the key to addressing these problems. Known for his virtuoso ball distribution, the Real Madrid midfielder has demonstrated unique passing skills into the attacking third for many years. Since the 2010 World Cup, the German has averaged 19.4 passes into the attacking zone per 90 minutes of play – the best performance among all players in major tournaments involving European teams. Despite the disappointments of the national team at the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2020, where Germany was eliminated in the group stage, Kroos played a key role during the golden period of the national team from 2010 to 2016.

During this period, the “Bundesmannschaft” reached at least the semi-finals of major tournaments four times in a row, including winning the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Since his debut in 2010, only Thomas Müller and Manuel Neuer have played more matches for the national team than Kroos (107 games).

Club Level Demand

Nagelsmann’s decision to bring Kroos back to the national team is explained not only by nostalgia but also by the veteran’s excellent form at the club level. This season, the midfielder has showcased his best personal statistics during his time at Real Madrid – 99 passes per 90 minutes and a 63% success rate in duels.

In the Champions League, the German also shines, making 25.6% accurate cutting passes – the highest percentage among all midfielders who have made at least 25 passes in the tournament. In the current European cup campaign, Kroos has already provided 4 assists. Even at 34, he remains one of the leaders and key figures of the “Royal Club,” operating in midfield alongside Luka Modric and Federico Valverde. It was precisely the deep positioning of the young Uruguayan that Carlo Ancelotti counted on, freeing Kroos to create opportunities.

Tactical Changes in the Lineup

However, Kroos’ return to the national team promises to be a catalyst for more significant changes in its lineup. Nagelsmann will likely have to reconsider the arrangement of players in midfield to fully utilize the veteran’s potential. According to preliminary data, Kroos will take his usual place in the center of midfield, which will affect the roles of other attacking players. It is expected that Joshua Kimmich, whom Nagelsmann intends to use on the right flank of defense, as he does at Bayern Munich, will remain in this position when playing alongside Kroos.

Ilkay Gundogan, the national team captain under Hans-Dieter Flick, is likely to move into the number ten position or operate closer to Kroos in midfield. At the same time, the fate of Leon Goretzka, who was previously expected to become the team’s leader, is becoming increasingly uncertain. The Bayern Munich midfielder, who has played 57 matches for the national team, may find himself outside the starting lineup. Positions in the starting XI are also in question for Pascal Gross from Brighton and Robert Andrich from Bayer Leverkusen.

Symbol of Stability for a Turbulent Team

Kroos’ return is an attempt to inject an element of consistency and confidence into these fluctuations.

His presence in the squad, colossal experience of playing at the highest level, and ability to take on leadership roles should spur on the young and ambitious partners. Kroos may not be a global superstar capable of inspiring a team with charisma alone. But he embodies the essence of German football: hard work, dedication, and the highest level of professionalism. His return to the national team will undoubtedly strengthen it ahead of the home Euro 2024 and enable it to act more cohesively and purposefully.