Real Madrid, so far, has hardly been able to count on one of its pillars in recent years this season: Toni Kroos. The German has played 85 minutes (24 ‘against the Sheriff and 61 against Espanyol), although in those two matches he has shown a lack of logical rhythm due to his long inactivity. They have been a kind of mini preseason for him, who has now been able to complete an individual plan during these two weeks of national team break. The goal is to completely leave behind the uncomfortable injury (a pubalgia) that has kept him away from the pitch since he finished his participation in the European Championship with Germany.
Kroos is a key piece for Ancelotti, who sees the German as an important part of the solution to stop the bleeding of goals that Madrid has received during the first part of the course. It is key in the offensive and defensive plot. In attack it is because it is a life insurance with the ball, it is rarely the time that a pass fails and through that security in possession losses that generate chances are avoided. In addition, his tactical intelligence in defense is essential for the balls he steals but also for his ability to keep his midfield teammates in place. In short, it brings a balance that Real Madrid has lacked up to now in the first few games.
In the first stage of Carletto at the helm of Real Madrid, Kroos was fundamental. He arrived in the coach’s second season and from the beginning he became indispensable. He played 4,600 minutes spread over 55 games, the second most of the entire squad (only surpassed by Cristiano). On that occasion, Ancelotti used him as a defensive pivot, putting in value that ability that the German midfielder has to be well placed and get the ball judiciously.
This time, his role will change, because Ancelotti is going to use him in a more advanced position, Kroos’ favorite. He can act on occasion in the double pivot without a defensive midfielder behind him, although he will usually do it with Casemiro covering his back.
With its reappearance, Carletto can begin to outline the eleven of the important days, because the presence of Kroos offers many alternatives that until now the team lacked. Players like Camavinga or Valverde bring muscle and youth, but when the height matches arrive Madrid also need the pause and security that Kroos brings to all his teammates.