Madrid pursued Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad but the Spanish international has chosen to join Arsenal instead
Toni Kroos has admitted that Real Madrid are still struggling to replace his influence in midfield following his retirement earlier this summer, suggesting the club has yet to find anyone capable of replicating his style and level of ability to control games.
The German playmaker bowed out after winning the Champions League for a sixth time in 2024 and Madrid struggled in their first season without him, finishing second in La Liga and getting soundly beaten 5-1 on aggregate by Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals.
Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, Kroos said: “They’re still missing a profile like mine. They’re still looking for it. There aren’t many players like that, and the ones who do exist are very difficult to get.”
Madrid have struggled to dominate possession and dictate rhythm in key matches over the past year, despite a midfield pool that includes Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde and Dani Ceballos.
Carlo Ancelotti, who coached Kroos for much of his Real Madrid career, also admitted before stepping down that the squad lacked a natural successor in the role.
Madrid had pursued Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad earlier this year, but the Spanish international chose to join Arsenal instead.
