Monday 27 June 2016 15:08, UK
Germany moved into the Euro 2016 quarter-finals with a 3-0 win over Slovakia in Lille. There were no goals or assists for Toni Kroos, but the stats show why the midfielder is their key man.
Germany's Euro 2016 rivals could be forgiven for shifting nervously in their seats as they watched Joachim Low's side make light work of Slovakia. The world champions have barely broken a sweat on their route to the quarter-finals, and their effortless victory in Lille suggests they are hitting their stride at the right time.
There are ominous signs all over the pitch. Germany are the only side at the tournament yet to concede a goal and Mario Gomez has provided the killer touch they lacked up front, but the real secret to their success lies in midfield, where the understated brilliance of Toni Kroos knits it all together.
The Real Madrid midfielder did not provide any headline contributions against Slovakia, but then he rarely does. Instead, he quietly orchestrates proceedings, coolly controlling the tempo and providing the perfect bridge between defence and attack.
Recent speculation suggests Madrid might favour the Galactico qualities of Paul Pogba next season, but Kroos' importance is certainly not lost on Low. "Toni has not only been performing at a very high level at this tournament, but also after Euro 2012 and the 2014 World Cup," he said last week. "He always does well for us. He is very economical in his way of playing. He doesn't make many mistakes."
Low was speaking after Germany's 1-0 win over Northern Ireland in Group C, where Kroos completed more passes (121) than Michael O'Neill's entire team. The 26-year-old's total that day was only six short of Xavi Hernandez's European Championship record for a single game.
The numbers are extraordinary. Kroos has ranked first for touches and passes in all four of Germany's games at Euro 2016, and he has now made more passes than any other player in the tournament, completing 415 out of 447 in total with a success rate of 93 per cent.
Kroos' composure brings out the best in those around him, and his team-mates and manager know it. "He brings balance to the team and is always available to receive the ball," added Low. "His team-mates trust in him. That's why he is a decisive player for us."
He brings balance to the team and is always available to receive the ball. His team-mates trust in him. That's why he is a decisive player for us.
Kroos showed his outstanding range of passing with 15 successful long balls out of 16 against Slovakia, and his set pieces were typically dangerous too, with Julian Draxler's acrobatic volley coming from his corner.
Germany scored four times from Kroos' dead-ball deliveries at the World Cup in Brazil, and he also provided the assist for Shkodran Mustafi's header in their 2-0 win over Ukraine in their Group C opener.
Only a handful of players including Dimitri Payet, Kevin De Bruyne and Mesut Ozil have created more scoring chances than Kroos (13) at Euro 2016, but his average of 3.3 per game is all the more impressive considering his positioning. The 26-year-old is ostensibly Germany's deepest midfielder, with Ozil operating behind the striker and Sami Khedira given more licence to roam forwards.
Kroos' defensive responsibilities have grown more prominent in the last few years. Philipp Lahm is no longer around to fulfil a deep-lying midfield role following his international retirement in 2014, while Bastian Schweinsteiger has struggled to maintain form and fitness since his move to Manchester United last summer.
Kroos' defensive discipline will be tested by either Spain or Italy in Saturday's quarter-final in Bordeaux, but Germany are gathering momentum and they will approach the task ahead in optimistic mood. With Kroos in control, Die Mannschaft are well placed to extend their stay in France.
