Sidney Sladen
Manchester United have reportedly revived their long-standing interest in Real Madrid’s German Midfielder, Toni Kroos. According to Independent, the 20-times English champions are interested in signing Kroos, but Real Madrid are unwilling to part ways with one of their prized assets. The German International moved to Madrid in 2014 and hasn’t looked back since then. Manchester United were close to agreeing on a deal for Kroos when David Moyes was in charge before Kroos eventually joined Real. The appointment of Louis Van Gaal as Manchester United boss ended the club’s pursuit of Toni after their new boss opted against signing the player.
However, United may have a chance this time around, with Jose Mourinho keen on Kroos if Griezmann deal does not go through. It is also believed that Antoine Griezmann is waiting to commit his future to Atletico Madrid as Champions League football next season would depend on their league position or their performance in the Champions League this season.
Meanwhile, Paul Scholes heaped praise on Toni Kroos by branding him ‘the best in the world’. Talking to German magazine Kicker (h/t Football365), Scholes said,
“I really like Toni Kroos. When I neared the end of my career, I followed him closely and tried to play like Kroos. I was a midfielder with an eye for the goal, but Kroos is one of the best midfield masterminds in the world. Kroos would be perfect at United next to [Paul] Pogba and Ander Herrera.”
Receiving such huge comments from one of the best players to have graced the game is surely commendable for Kroos.
Kroos is known to be a complete midfielder. He can play at the base of the midfield and can also play as an attacking midfielder. However, he is usually comfortable in a free role, where he gets the freedom to move around in the central areas.
The 27-year old German currently tops the assists chart and so far has 9 to his name. He has completed 1114 passes this season and is 11th on the list of players with the highest number of completed passes. He has played 4 fewer games than Sevilla’s Steven Nzonzi, who is the player with most passes this season with 1538.
As Scholes mentioned, Kroos would fit into the United set-up perfectly. Michael Carrick is 35 years old and is mulling over a contract extension. Schweinsteiger isn’t a youngster either. Hence, it seems logical for the English giants to have a shot at getting Kroos.
The prospect of Kroos, Pogba, and Herrera playing as a midfield trio looks mouthwatering on paper and if it does happen on the pitch as well, then Old Trafford for sure would be the loudest and happiest place on earth when the team in Red takes the field.
