How Liverpool could still sign Isak despite £265m splurge

The rise, fall and rebirth of England's clutch queen Kelly

Why Europe's elite are chasing AZ's De Bruyne regen

How does Nwaneri fit in to Arsenal's new-look front five?

When Kaka's AC Milan smashed Boca Juniors 

Editors' Picks

Schick admits he wanted to leave Leverkusen under Xabi Alonso

'World's greatest celebrity' Ronaldo still underappreciated, says Jesus

Why is Osimhen set to spend his best years at Galatasaray?

'Should have addressed it earlier' - Garber on Messi's absence

Ex-Man Utd veteran ends Premier League career with Ipswich move

Transfers LIVE: Arsenal prepare medical for Gyokeres

<ul><li>Kroos calls Rodri “fundamental” in modern football</li><li>Cites City’s struggles during the Spaniard’s injury spell</li><li>Madrid watching closely with future move in mind</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

Is Rodri the solution for Real Madrid? Toni Kroos urges La Liga giants to fill 'fundamental' position after claiming they need to replace him

Club Friendlies

Palermo

Manchester City

<p>Kroos has publicly endorsed Rodri as his ideal replacement at Madrid. In an recent interview, the retired midfielder praised the City star, saying his presence on the pitch often goes unnoticed, but his absence reveals just how crucial he is. Kroos believes Rodri’s impact in midfield mirrors what Los Blancos are missing.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Madrid need a player who can anchor their midfield and <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/real-madrid-reignite-interest-rodri-transfer-limit-set-man-city-star/bltcda512ee0f263739" target="_blank">Rodri’s name has resurfaced in the club's plans</a>. The 29-year-old is under contract with City until 2027, but if renewal talks stall, Los Blancos could swoop in. City’s dip in form during Rodri’s injury only strengthens Kroos’ case, who recently said that Madrid's problems last season stemmed <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/missing-profile-toni-kroos-insists-players-replace-real-madrid-fires-xabi-alonso-warning/blt9afc9287411dfcae" target="_blank">from their inability to replace the German following his retirement a year ago</a>.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Kroos told <a href="https://elpais.com/eps/2025-07-18/toni-kroos-lo-mejor-es-irte-en-lo-mas-alto.html" target="_blank"><em>El País Semanal</em></a>: “One thing is clear, and that is that the central midfield position is fundamental in modern football, there's no doubt about it. Look at what happened to Manchester City after a player like Rodri got injured. What happens is that a good central midfielder or defensive midfielder is missed… when he's not there. When he's there, it's taken for granted; it's as if you don't notice it, as if everything is in order, and then the forwards can calmly settle games. Look, since I retired, I became a Real Madrid fan; it's normal, after 10 years here. And I've seen, like all the other fans of the team, that it hasn't been an easy season. And people were saying: 'Aaah, it's because Toni Kroos isn't there!' And all I wanted was for things to work out well and for them to stop saying that.”</p>

WHAT KROOS SAID

<p><a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/real-madrid-man-city-rodri-snap-up-midfielder-bargain-deal-arsenal-martin-zubimendi/blt79c583ca5247810f" target="_blank">Los Blancos are keeping a close eye on Rodri’s contract situation</a>. If City fail to extend it before the 2026 World Cup, a 2027 expiration could tempt Madrid into making a move, especially if they view him as the missing piece post-Kroos.</p>

WHAT NEXT?

Is Rodri the solution for Real Madrid? Toni Kroos urges La Liga giants to fill 'fundamental' position after claiming they need to replace him | Goal.com

Toni Kroos has backed Rodri as the ideal midfield successor at Real Madrid, highlighting how Man City suffered during the Spaniard’s injury absence.

Is Rodri the solution for Real Madrid? Toni Kroos urges La Liga giants to fill &apos;fundamental&apos; position after claiming they need to replace him

Next Match