Real Madrid have been unable to replace Toni Kroos, and the La Liga holders are suffering as a result
The European champions have a host of top-quality midfielders at their disposal, but none are capable of replicating the retired Germany international. When it was first announced, on May 21, Kroos was in the midst of his best season in years - maybe even his best ever. He was 34, and the beating heart of Real Madrid 's midfield. Yes, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr were bagging the goals, but Kroos paced everything.
But Kroos declined. He had made his mind up; his footballing career was over. In a total embodiment of the proverb that was pushed into the spotlightAnd it made sense in a way. The only way from here was down. Madrid were ushering in a new era of young, athletic superstars. Kroos was hanging his boots up while he still had something left to give.
Six months on, and Madrid must be wishing that they had been able to change his mind. Los Blancos really should be running away with La Liga - andThe reasons for that are many. Kylian Mbappe hasn't jelled with his new team-mates, Vinicius and Rodrygo have picked up injuries and the defence has been a mess. But central to it all is the missing piece, the regista who controlled everything now watching from afar.
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