Kroos control

Adam Bate looks at why Bayern Munich's Toni Kroos could be the world's best midfielder.

It's hard to believe now but in October 2007, Bayern Munich, the current champions of Europe, were slumming it in what was then known as the UEFA Cup. What's worse, they were losing 2-1 to Crvena Zvezda in Belgrade courtesy of a bouncing 30 yard strike by Nenad Milijas. There were 10 minutes remaining and Bayern were hoping to somehow get out of Serbia with a draw. Ottmar Hitzfeld sent for Toni Kroos. The youngster had made his professional debut the previous month - setting up two goals in a 5-0 thrashing of Energie Cottbus. But with the home crowd in full voice, this was rather different. And yet, Kroos immediately asserted himself as free-kick taker. Within minutes he had curled in a cross for Miroslav Klose to smuggle in an equaliser. In injury-time, from virtually the same spot, the midfielder whipped in a low ball that eluded everyone and nestled in the far corner. The turnaround was complete and Kroos had undoubtedly been the instigator. Clearly, Bayern had got lucky but those who knew of their young star's gifts were reluctant to view the events as mere fortune. Hitzfeld was fulsome in his praise. "He is a passionate footballer with great instinct," said the veteran coach in his post-match interview. "He always takes the right decision on the pitch and you don't have to tell him what to do." Kroos was just 17 years old.

Potential

Six years on and the Germany international is still earning the admiration of his managers. "I have seen his unlimited potential," said Jupp Heynckes last season. "At the moment, I see Toni Kroos as further developed than Wolfgang Overath and Gunter Netzer at the same age." Given that Overath had played in his first World Cup final at 22 and both men can mount a persuasive case to be considered among the top five midfielders of their generation, these are not words to be dismissed cheaply. Heynckes is no Blade Runner, but as a two-time Champions League winning coach of pensionable age let's just say he's seen things. But then, Toni Kroos inspires superlatives. Here is a player that has everything. "Kroos is a phenomenon," writes tactics expert Jonathan Wilson. "Perhaps the archetype of the modern attacking midfielder." That is to say he can shoot and pass, score and assist. He possesses an awareness of space and the intelligence to adapt to a variety of roles. He can play passes both long and short. He is technically comfortable in tight spaces and has the athleticism to drive forwards when afforded room.

Toni Kroos - Bundesliga 2012/13
Discipline	Number	Ranking
Shots per game	2.2	20th
Assists	11