Toni Kroos shocked the entire world by announcing his retirement from professional soccer. The German midfielder will hang up his boots after the UEFA Euros in the summer. The news comes as a major surprise as well as a disappointment for many fans all over the planet, considering the performances Kroos has delivered in what will eventually be his last ever season as a professional soccer player.
✨ 10 years
🏆 22 titles
⚽ 463 matches#GraciasKroos pic.twitter.com/Cvm5o1YOLC— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) May 21, 2024
The 34-year-old will leave an indelible mark at Real Madrid. Having developed his game as a youth prospect in the Bundesliga, it was in Spain that Toni Kroos cemented himself amongst the best midfielders in the history of the game. He has been an integral part of one of Madrid‘s best phases in their history. The club and its fanbase will never forget the levels of consistency and precision delivered by Toni Kroos every time he stepped onto the pitch.
Consequently, rumors have started surfacing about Toni Kroos’ possible replacements at Real Madrid. The icon’s unique style of playing makes the job even more difficult for the club leaders. In recent seasons, Madrid has acquired some of the most promising young midfielders from all over the globe. With the likes of Fede Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, Arda Guler, and more, Carlo Ancelotti will be calm about handling the post-Kroos era at Real Madrid.
Fede Valverde to take up Toni Kroos’ number eight at Real Madrid
Real Madrid will now have to take the tough call of deciding the next player to take up the club’s number eight jersey. La Liga regulations do not allow first-team players to wear jersey numbers apart from one to 25. With the career Kroos has enjoyed at Real Madrid, the number eight will carry a huge burden and responsibility for whoever is the next bearer of it.
🚨 JUST IN: Fede Valverde expected to take #8. @AlbertoPereiro pic.twitter.com/ZUhpDggtZP
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) May 21, 2024
Some of the greatest players in the world have worn the number eight jersey at Real Madrid over the years like Kaka, Fernando Morientes, Emiliano Butragueno, and more. According to reports, Fede Valverde looks set to be the next in line. It is a decision that will go well with the Real Madrid fans considering Valverde‘s admiration for Toni Kroos and the youngster’s potential to become a club legend in the future.
Will Fede Valverde’s role at Real Madrid change?
Fede Valverde has been deployed on the right side of the midfield more often than not this season. In Carlo Ancelotti’s new 4-2-2-2 formation, the Italian has looked to make full use of the Uruguayan’s stamina and pace. The 25-year-old’s new role has allowed Dani Carvajal to venture forward from the right-back spot regularly. Valverde has been one of the most integral components of Madrid’s successful season.
11 goal contributions for Fede Valverde this season.
One of the best players in the world. 🦅🇺🇾 pic.twitter.com/Ef7Mk4QT3o
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) May 21, 2024
It is unlikely that Fede Valverde’s role in the pitch will change due to Toni Kroos leaving the club. The German used to operate on the left side of the midfield. Taking into account positional capabilities, players like Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga are more suited to the left side, having played in that role previously in their respective careers. Carlo Ancelotti would not prefer to alter Valverde’s position which has delivered one of the best seasons out of the player in his career.