5 players who can replace Toni Kroos at Real Madrid
Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos has decided to hang up his boots after competing with Germany in EURO 2024. The 34-year-old seemed to be on the verge of continuing his impressive career at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu. However, their Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley could be his last game in Madrid white.
Kroos joined the Madridistas in the summer of 2014 after deciding to leave Bayern Munich for a new experience in the capital city of Spain. Ever since, he has become part of the club's core, enjoying a hugely successful period that has seen him win a combined 22 trophies. He has won four Champions League trophies with the club, and he could well win his fifth medal as he bows out of club football.
For Real Madrid fans, it will be nearly impossible to replace Toni Kroos, who is known for his brilliant passing range and accuracy. The German midfielder was a ruthless technician in the center of the park, and his prowess will certainly be missed. But Los Blancos have to look ahead for a successor, and without further ado, here are five potential replacements for Kroos:
#5 Trent Alexander-Arnold - Liverpool
This might seem like a very unlikely option, but there is hardly a better passer of the ball than Trent Alexander-Arnold in world football at present. Although he has spent the majority of his career as a right-back, former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has opted to move him into midfield in recent months to reasonable success.
Real Madrid have already shown interest in the Reds' vice-captain, who has made seven goal contributions in 28 Premier League games. It isn't guaranteed that he would want to leave Anfield, especially with the new management change in Merseyside. However, the Madridistas have their eyes on him, as his contract expires in just one year.
#4 Jude Bellingham - Real Madrid midfielder
While the Madridistas could go outside in search of a player to replace their legendary midfielder, an option remains viable in the Santiago Bernabeu. Jude Bellingham may have joined the club a year ago, but he has taken to life in the Spanish capital with ease, scoring 19 goals in 27 La Liga games.
Bellingham has flourished in his attacking midfield position under Carlo Ancelotti, but while at Borussia Dortmund, he regularly impressed from a deeper role. The midfielder notably scored a total of 12 Bundesliga goals in three years. There are reports (via Football Espana) of a Kroos succession plan in motion at the Bernabeu, with Bellingham at the forefront.