Toni Kroos: Ex Barcelona Star Opens Up on How He ‘Taught’ Germany Midfielder How to Play Football

• Arturo Vidal has bragged about playing a major role in helping Toni Kroos become a world-class midfielder
• The 37-year-old admitted Kroos was technically gifted but stressed the Real Madrid star 'lacked the touch'
• Meanwhile, the German icon has announced he will call time on his glistening career after the 2024 Euros

Former FC Barcelona star, Arturo Vidal, has revealed his influential role in helping Toni Kroos become the global football icon he is today.

The Chilean international played alongside Kroos between 2009 and 2010 when Kroos was on loan at Bayer Leverkusen from his parent club, Bayern Munich.

Toni Kroos: The making of a world-class midfielder

During his 18-month spell at the Bay Arena, the soon-to-be-former footballer enjoyed increased game time, evolving from a prodigious talent into a highly coveted midfield gem, per Bundesliga.com.

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Upon returning to Munich, Kroos established himself as a world-class footballer before transferring to Real Madrid, where he has since become an iconic figure.

Despite playing a position that requires significant physicality, the German midfield maestro has never been known for his athleticism, which has become more pronounced with age.

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

While he may no longer be considered a 'complete' midfielder, he remains a master at setting the tempo and delivering precise passes, as evidenced at the 2024 Euros.

Meanwhile, Kroos' return to international football has been crucial for Die Mannschaft as they pursue a record fourth European Championship at this year's tournament.

How Vidal taught Kroos football

Reflecting on their time together as teammates, Vidal, who has played for several top clubs, including Bayern Munich, Juventus, and Barcelona, suggested he played a significant role in Kroos' transformation into a top-tier star.

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While acknowledging Kroos' technical prowess, the 37-year-old emphasised that he and Augusto contributed an extra layer to Kroos' football education.

"Toni Kroos learned a lot from me. We played together at Bayer Leverkusen," he told Spanish publication Diario AS, as cited by MadridZone.

"He came on loan from Bayern; he was good technically but lacked the touch. He came to me and Renato Augusto, and we explained to him what football was like; we taught him a lot."

Kroos fires warning to rivals at Euro 2024

Sports Brief also reported that Toni Kroos has fired a 'warning' to rival nations after Germany secured the top spot in their group at the 2024 UEFA European Championship on Sunday, June 23.

Kroos, who has been instrumental for the host nation, took to social media to express his determination for success in what will be his final tournament with Germany.