One of the first things you notice when you watch a collection of Real Madrid and Germany’s Toni Kroos reels on passing is how easy he makes it look. Relaxed, strong, powerful, fast, calm, with great close control and wonderful technique, allows him choice in how best to execute the pass technique, be it: a short side foot, a long bend with the inside of his foot with lots of spin lofted or fast and direct, a chip, a super accurate drive with the laces, a half or full volley.
Many of the great players have that ‘time’ aura. But where does it come from? Aside from fantastic technical ability from years of practice, they have developed an awareness of their surroundings, and an ability to see moves ahead of time. They are seeing the position of the players and the ball in visual snapshots now and in seconds ahead. This allows them to position themselves in a way that their control and movement of the ball will create additional space and execute a pass before anyone else has even seen it. It’s like a Jedi force in Star Wars and appears magical.
Watch out for Kroos’s brilliant passing techniques in this video collection but also see if you can spot his thinking and movement before he receives the ball. That combination of athleticism, skill and thought, made him one of the midfield legends of the game.
Here is a summary of his career. Wow!
A) Youth Player to Professional
1. Early Years & Youth Career (1996–2007)
• Born on January 4, 1990, in Greifswald, East Germany.
• Started playing football at Greifswalder SC before moving to Hansa Rostock’s youth academy.
• In 2006, he joined Bayern Munich’s academy at age 16.
• Was known for his technical ability and vision from a young age but was not the hardest worker in training.
2. Bayern Munich (2007–2014)
• Debut (2007, aged 17): Became Bayern’s youngest-ever Bundesliga player at the time.
• Loaned to Bayer Leverkusen (2009–2010): Developed into a top playmaker.
• Returned to Bayern (2010): Became a key part of the team that won the 2013 Champions League treble under Jupp Heynckes.
• Fell out with Bayern’s management over a contract dispute in 2014.
3. Real Madrid (2014–2024)
• Signed for €25 million after winning the 2014 World Cup.
• Became an essential part of Real Madrid’s midfield trio with Luka Modrić and Casemiro.
• Helped Madrid win five Champions League titles (2016, 2017, 2018, 2022, 2024).
• Announced his retirement at the end of the 2023-24 season.
B) Honours & Achievements
Club Honours
• Bayern Munich
• Bundesliga: 2007–08, 2012–13, 2013–14
• DFB-Pokal: 2007–08, 2012–13, 2013–14
• UEFA Champions League: 2012–13
• FIFA Club World Cup: 2013
• Real Madrid
• La Liga: 2016–17, 2019–20, 2021–22
• Copa del Rey: 2022–23
• UEFA Champions League: 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2021–22, 2023–24
• FIFA Club World Cup: 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022
International Honours
• Germany
• FIFA World Cup: 2014
• UEFA European U-17 Championship: 2006
Individual Honours
• FIFA World Cup All-Star XI (2014)
• FIFPro World XI (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022)
• German Footballer of the Year (2018)
• UEFA Team of the Year (2014, 2016, 2017)
C) What His Peers Said About His Passing Ability
1. Luka Modrić (Real Madrid & Midfield Partner)
• “He makes football look so simple. His passing is almost perfect every time. We just understand each other without even speaking.”
2. Xavi Hernández (Barcelona Legend & Coach)
• “Toni Kroos is one of the best passers football has ever seen. His precision and ability to control a game remind me of my own style.”
3. Casemiro (Former Real Madrid Teammate)
• “Playing with Kroos was a privilege. He sees the game two steps ahead, and his passing always puts you in the best position.”
4. Cristiano Ronaldo (Former Real Madrid Teammate)
• “Kroos is a magician with the ball. His crosses, his long balls, his through balls—everything is just perfect.”
5. Pep Guardiola (Former Bayern Munich Coach)
• “Toni Kroos is a super-intelligent player. His passing accuracy is world-class, and his vision is what every team dreams of.”
6. Mesut Özil (Germany Teammate)
• “I always felt safe when Kroos was on the pitch. He never loses the ball, and his passing is so clean.”
7. Thiago Alcântara (Former Bayern Teammate)
• “He doesn’t need to look. He just knows where you are. He can control a game with his passing alone.”
Toni Kroos is widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation, with a passing range and vision that defined his career. His legacy will be that of a midfield maestro who controlled games with elegance and precision.
One2Pro:
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Be the One!
Aaron Tighe
Founder, One2Pro
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