Toni Kroos: When Ex Barcelona and Argentina Great Compared Real Madrid Midfield Magician to Federer

• Toni Kroos once received a unique compliment
• His playing style was compared to Roger Federer
• Federer is considered a GOAT in the world of tennis

Former FC Barcelona and Argentina star, Juan Roman Riquelme, once paid a unique tribute to Toni Kroos.

Riquelme, who moved into football administration after retiring as a player, compared Kroos' style to that of tennis legend Roger Federer.

The Boca Juniors president believes that the Real Madrid midfielder's smooth and effortless approach on the field is reminiscent of Federer's finesse on the tennis court.

Comparing Toni Kroos to Roger Federer

Despite playing in a position that demands significant physicality, Kroos has never been known for his athleticism, a trait that has become even more apparent as he ages.

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However, his vision and elegance on the ball make his lack of physicality almost irrelevant.

While he may no longer be a 'complete' midfielder, he remains a master of setting the tempo and executing precise passes.

It's no surprise that Riquelme compared the 34-year-old star to Federer.

For Riquelme, Kroos embodies a unique blend of skill and a distinctive mindset, reminiscent of the 20-time Grand Slam winner's unmatched elegance in the world of tennis.

“He is the closest thing to Federer, they can play ball and go home without bathing," he said, as quoted by Essentially Sports.

"It’s incredible. He plays ball, he doesn’t throw himself at his feet, he doesn’t get dirty, he doesn’t sweat,” he ended.

What Kroos said after meeting Federer

In 2015, at Wimbledon, Kroos met Federer for the first time. Feeling a bit nervous, the German revealed that he forgot he was a superstar in his own right.

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Toni admitted that he momentarily forgot his own identity upon meeting the former world No. 1 in tennis.

He described the meeting as special and admitted that he was excited yet anxious to meet the tennis legend, seeing it as a significant moment for himself, per Sportskeeda.

Toni Kroos backed to win Ballon d'Or

In an earlier publication, Sports Brief reported that Carlo Ancelotti has endorsed Toni Kroos as a strong contender for this year's Ballon d'Or, provided Real Madrid wins the Champions League and Germany triumphs in Euro 2024.

Kroos has been pivotal in Madrid's successes this season.

The Real Madrid manager, highly impressed with Kroos' performance, believes there is no reason why the Ballon d'Or shouldn't be within his grasp.