Toni Kroos: Stats from final La Liga match prove why he’s one of the greatest of all time
Toni Kroos made the final La Liga appearance of his career in Real Madrid’s 0-0 draw with Real Betis on Saturday.
The German recently announced he will be retiring from football following this summer’s European Championships, which will be played in his homeland.
All that remains for Kroos now at club level is this weekend’s Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund, but even if Los Blancos fall there, the midfielder will end his club career as a La Liga champion.
Real Madrid enjoyed a stunning campaign in the Spanish top flight, accruing 95 points and losing just one of their 38 matches to finish 10 points clear of arch-rivals Barcelona.
Although a 0-0 draw wasn’t quite the La Liga ending Kroos would have hoped for, his personal performance in the match justified exactly why he’s regarded as one of the greatest players in league history.
The 34-year-old was his usual, metronomic self in midfield, posting match-highs for touches (122), passes (110), passes into the final third (15), long passes completed (13/15) and chances created (3).
What’s more, Kroos also maintained 100% shot accuracy, while making two tackles and two interceptions before being substituted in the 87th minute.
Toni Kroos' final LaLiga game by numbers:
122 touches (most)
110 passes (most)
100% shot accuracy
97.3% pass accuracy
15 passes into final ? (most)
13/15 long passes completed (most)
3 chances created (most)
2 tackles made
2 interceptionsThe Gold standard for midfielders. ? pic.twitter.com/nuGbX1C7Df
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Real Madrid ‘lucky’ to have Kroos, says Ancelotti
With over 460 appearances under his belt and the possibility of adding a 22nd piece of silverware to his collection this weekend, few can match the achievements of Kroos as a Real Madrid player.
Los Blancos manager Carlo Ancelotti hailed the German playmaker as ‘one of the greatest midfielders’ after Saturday’s match, which saw a very emotional Kroos serenaded by teammates and supporters alike.
“The Bernabeu gave him the farewell he deserves, it’s been an emotional night. He’s been one of the greatest midfielders, with a lot of quality and a fantastic character”, said Ancelotti (via Football Espana).
“He’s always had very little ego and played for the team. We’ve been lucky to have him for ten years.”
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