June 1, 2024, will go down in history as one of the greatest dates in the history of Real Madrid. The Whites touched the sky once again in London just one year ago, winning their 15th Champions League title, the sixth in the last decade. It was a very special match as it marked the farewell of a key player in the history of the club, Toni Kroos, who has been sorely missed over the last 365 days.
Toni Kroos’ last match for Real Madrid
A year ago, Real Madrid were crowned European champions after beating Borussia Dortmund at Wembley with goals from Carvajal and Vini Jr. in a great second half. The Whites made it clear in London why they are the kings of Europe by winning their 15th European Cup, their sixth in the last decade. They did so with Courtois keeping the team in the game with some great saves in the second half.
A great second half was crowned with goals from Carvajal, who had a game to remember, and Vinicius, who wrote a new page in football history. The assist for the first goal came from Kroos, who played his last game in a Real Madrid shirt. The German left the Whites joining the select club of players who have won six European Cups. He is accompanied by Gento, Nacho, Carvajal, and Modrić.
Kroos’ absence has marked Real Madrid
A few days ago, Toni Kroos was present at the farewell ceremony for Carlo Ancelotti and Luka Modric at the Santiago Bernabéu. It was an emotional farewell that reminded him of his own a year earlier. The German had an unforgettable send-off just a few days after lifting his sixth Champions League trophy. After the European Championship with Germany, he would hang up his boots for good.
His absence has been felt, and greatly, at Real Madrid. The Whites were left without their guiding light in midfield, the one who brought order and sanity, the famous balance that Carlo Ancelotti has talked about so much and which he has had to suffer the consequences of losing this season. The team has looked sluggish all season, unable to find the key to unlock the defense in many games, missing Kroos.
Real Madrid is looking for a replacement
Toni Kroos is a player who has marked an era at Real Madrid, so finding a replacement is no easy task, as the German is unique. This has been proven this season, in which neither Ceballos, despite performing well, but who suffered an untimely injury, nor Camavinga, Tchouaméni, Valverde, or even Modric, have been able to fill the void.
With Modric’s departure, the need to find a replacement for the German is now urgent. Real Madrid has been considering different names in recent months, such as Wirtz, Zubimendi, and Tijiani Reijnders. However, it is a compatriot of Kroos who has gained ground in recent hours to join Real Madrid.
We are talking about Angelo Stiller, who bears many similarities to Kroos, who has even recommended him. He has a great ability to find space on the pitch to distribute the ball with ease. In addition, he has another quality that the Whites have been lacking: defensive commitment.
The player is clear that he wants to move to the Santiago Bernabéu, and therefore his signing will depend on negotiations between Real Madrid and Stuttgart. The German club would let the player leave for a fee of around €40-50 million.