Kroos: The German Maestro

After a mesmerizing performance against Merseyside giants Liverpool, Toni Kroos has become a widely spoken about football player lately.

The pass to Vincius Jr is what got everyone talking. A beautifully lofted ball to the Brazilian to gain a 1-0 deficit to Real Madrid.

Real Madrid won this first leg fixture in the quarter-finals 3-1, with Kroos playing a huge part in this victory. Real Madrid looks like favourites to advance into the Semi-Finals of the UEFA Champions League.

The midfielder has received phrases from greats throughout his lengthy career. Jurgen Klopp called him a 'genius,' Johan Cruyff says 'he should have won the Ballon D'Or,' Paul Scholes said he 'tried to play like Kroos,' and Pep Guardiola said he is 'the bravest player he has ever seen.'

The way the German controls the midfield and can change the pace of a game with the click of his fingers, making him a great and influential player. He is arguably one of the greatest players to play in the white of Real Madrid, up there with fellow midfielder Luka Modric who won the Ballon D'Or in 2018, also displayed a world-class performance.

Toni Kroos has scored two goals from a deep-lying position this season and impressively has got eight assists. The stats he's brewing from a deep-lying and controlling position shows how good he is as well. He sets the tempo and eases the players around him with his movement and control.

The midfield pivot including Casemiro, Modric and Kroos, is seen as one of the most impactful and experienced midfield trios in the world and, they work together to break down teams and make sure teams don't progress further. The way they all work together is telepathic and, it causes such balance and certainty.

Not only does Toni Kroos provide cool and controlled performances for La Casa Blanca, but he also merits these performances at the international level and is one of the most consistent players in the German ranks.

His influence on other players on the pitch is insane and underrated and he allows other players to stride without panic in mind. His leadership qualities and loyalty to Real Madrid also makes him a likeable and true sportsman.

Hammer, Declan Rice showed his appreciation to the German by stating "Watching Toni Kroos is very special" to which Toni Kroos replied "Thanks, mate." Players like Declan Rice, who is currently performing at a top level and linked to many clubs, is inspired by what Toni Kroos is capable of in a game.

A graph showing all Toni Kroos' assists show how he can create all around the oppositions half and even in his half. Grabbing assists at all angles and areas of the pitch, elaborating how much talent he posses.

His understanding of weakness in the other team is also another supplement he has installed into his mind. After the game against Liverpool, he gave his idealogy on how to tackle the game, saying: "We tried attacking Liverpool very early on, given that they were playing without their key players in defence." The tactic Real Madrid influenced ultimately worked and gained them a much-deserved victory.

The 31-year-old and his team are determined to lift the Champions League trophy once again. With Toni Kroos playing a key part in the heart of the team, there is a good chance the Galacticos will once again lift the prestigious trophy.