Kroos reveals what Real Madrid needs to compete again: 'From there...

Toni Kroos has spoken about Real Madrid again. He did so on his podcast, alongside his brother Félix, and he shared very interesting thoughts about Xabi Alonso's new project.

The German, already retired, doesn't lose sight of the club that shaped his career. According to him, the path to success starts with a clear idea. "To get back to the top, the most important thing is the focus, the system, and how it's going to work and be applied," he explained.

Only after that, Kroos adds, can it be assessed which players are missing. "From there, you measure which player is missing depending on the kind of soccer you want to play," he stated.

Arda Güler, his weakness

Kroos also had words for one of the players who generates the most excitement among Madridists: Arda Güler. The German believes the young Turk has something special.

"If you have a player like that, who can play between the lines, I'm in favor of turning a blind eye if he loses a duel," Kroos admitted. Even so, he doesn't excuse him from participating defensively: "The important thing is that he clearly understands his role and takes part in the defensive effort."

Kroos assures that Güler was already ready in terms of soccer last season, but now he has made the physical leap he needed. "He gives a lot of soccer to the team. He's ready to take on responsibility," he said.

The key: defending together

Beyond the individual, Kroos emphasized the importance of defending as a unit. "It gives a lot to the team to have the feeling that you defend together," he explained. He warned that when that unity doesn't exist, the fatigue multiplies.

"Last year we suffered a lot with that. You couldn't press or you couldn't drop back because you weren't used to it. That exhausts you," he lamented.

Finally, he praised Xabi Alonso. He believes his former teammate will know how to give the team a clear identity. "I trust Xabi. I know he'll convey a clear idea. Everything revolves around controlling the match. If they defend better, they'll also attack better," he concluded.

Kroos is no longer on the field. But he's still very present in the analysis of Madrid. His vision, as always, is accurate.