Toni Kroos' Career In Review

During this international break we bring to you a special throwback edition of the Real Deal. This was Jarod Hector and Siddharth's first episode recording together on the Real Deal on May 21st, 2024, back before the show was a completely independent podcast.

We dove deep into Kroos’ immense impact on Real Madrid and the German National Team’s tactical identity, as he brought control to teams that traditionally preferred more heavy-metal, transition-focused approaches to the game. Jarod helps us contrast Kroos and Luka Modric with their predecessors, Mesut Özil and Xabi Alonso. We also explore how Florentino Pérez’s crucial improvements as club president during the Kroos era laid the foundation for an unprecedented period of success.From the historic threepeat to Kroos’ ability to carry the team in the post-Ronaldo seasons, we leave no stone unturned in our analysis of his legacy. We focus on Kroos’ unique ability to control the game and process information on the pitch relative to other greats like Xavi, Sergio Busquets and Thiago, as well as how his unprecedented longevity puts him above most at the position.

Included:

- How Kroos shifted Real Madrid’s tactical identity after Mourinho

- Kroos, Guardiola and Germany’s shifting identity

- Contrasting Ozil and Xabi Alonso with Kroos and Modric- Makelele, Tchouameni, and Florentino’s crucial improvements as club president during the Kroos era

- Kroos’ impact on Real Madrid’s tactics in 2014-15

- The threepeat years and switching play

- Kroos carrying during the post-Ronaldo seasons under Zidane

- The de and re-optimization of Kroos under Carlo Ancelotti

- Kroos’ hall of fame controlling & cognitive processing skills

- Best controlling midfielders of the 21st centurySubjective time and cognitive processing speeds

The conversation then ends by touching on the 2024 NBA playoffs (a hot topic at the time) and the rise of Luka Doncic, as we explore the fascinating concept subjective time and cognitive processing speeds in sports.