Toni Kroos has left more than one person in Madrid speechless with statements that no one expected. The German, already retired and away from Real Madrid's day-to-day activities, has reappeared to praise a footballer... from FC Barcelona!
In his podcast 'Einfach mal Luppen' Kroos didn't hesitate to point to Pedri as his true footballing heir. His statement has been a cold shower for the higher-ups at Bernabéu.
"Pedri Is the Best in the World in His Position"
Just a week before the clásico that could decide LaLiga, Kroos had no qualms about praising Pedri to the skies.
It hasn't been well-received in the noble area of Bernabéu, because Pedri was tested at Real Madrid a few years ago and was rejected.
Kroos praised Pedri's technical quality and tactical intelligence, stating that he is "the best in the world in his position." For many, these words sound like betrayal, because Pedri is one of the pillars on which Barça is rebuilding.
The former Real Madrid mastermind also said ahead of the clásico: "Pedri is almost more important than Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, or Lewandowski. They are the ones who decide the matches, but to achieve it, Pedri is currently the best player in the world in his position, in my opinion."
He added: "He is a player who is missed when he doesn't play, against anyone. He not only scores goals but also provides assists. He gives you solutions.
I've seen what Pedri is doing this season, and only in the Champions League, he surpasses 52 opponents per match. In the League, it's even more extreme: he surpasses 59 opponents per match. He surpasses 11 or 12 defenders per match, the most difficult thing for a midfielder."
He concludes: "he is the best in the world. Pedri is one of the few midfielders who has the gift of dribbling past someone in tight spaces. A player like Pedri helps you in all phases of the game.
"He Doesn't Seem Fast, but He Is"
He doesn't seem fast but then starts to dribble, you think he will at least make a mistake, but no. He doesn't resemble Messi. Pedri doesn't seem fast, but he is, because he is fast and his movement is incredibly light."
Florentino Pérez didn't expect this blow. He has always wanted Kroos's replacement to be in-house or, at most, a top-tier signing. But for Kroos himself to designate a player from the eternal rival as his ideal successor has caused discomfort in the white environment.
Pedri, meanwhile, remains focused on his own. At just 21 years old, he has conquered all of Europe with his calm play, vision, and ability to lead in key moments. Barça knows they have a treasure in their ranks, and after Kroos's words, the Canarian's figure is further enhanced.
This praise only confirms that Barça is once again becoming the footballing reference in Europe. World-class footballers don't hesitate to acknowledge it. Kroos, a Madridist symbol, has ended up surrendering to the evidence.