Barcelona superstar hails Real Madrid icon: “Without him, you start to get impatient” | OneFootball

Toni Kroos is not far away from officially hanging his boots from the beautiful game. Having already said his goodbyes to the Real Madrid faithful, he is currently playing his last international tournament for Germany at the Euros.

The beginning of the knockout stages, needless to say, leaves fans in a situation where every game Kroos plays could be his final appearance as a player.

The veteran, however, comfortably qualified for the quarterfinals last night with a 2-0 win over Denmark and extended his stay in the competition.

In the process, the departing legend created a staggering four chances and completed 55 passes including seven into the final third for his side.

Gundogan in awe of Toni Kroos

Ilkay Gundogan has nothing but praise for Toni Kroos. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

Speaking to the media after Germany’s win over Denmark in their first knockout game of the tournament, FC Barcelona star and Germany captain Ilkay Gundogan spoke in detail about his connection with Kroos.

“With Toni, I have the freedom to stay in front and wait because I know the ball will come at some point,” Gundogan told The Athletic.

“Only a few players in world football are as efficient and calm on the ball as he is,” he added.

Elaborating on what made the Real Madrid legend so special on the field and his skills as a playmaker, the Barcelona star said,

“He is very consistent and gives our team stability. He reads the game and gives us balance with and without the ball and gives other players like me more freedom to create dangerous chances in front of goal.”

With Kroos set to retire after the current tournament, Germany are set to lose the services of one of their all-time greats. Gundogan’s comment that followed on how the game changes without the Real Madrid star, thus, provides a clear picture of his importance.

“Without Toni Kroos, you might start to get impatient, and you might drop further to receive the ball, which is not the point.

“Now I know the ball is going to come, I just need to be ready. This makes things much easier,” he explained.