Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos has revealed that his varied positioning in Los Blancos midfield does not concern him as he interprets the role according to his strengths and strives to add balance to the team.

Kroos arrived in the Spanish capital from Bayern Munich at the start of the current season and has become a regular fixture of manager Carlo Ancelotti’s starting eleven, having made 39 appearances across six competitions so far.




The German played primarily as an attacking midfielder and occasionally as a central midfielder at Bayern Munich, whereas at Real Madrid he has mainly played as a defensive midfielder especially in the absence of the injured Luka Modric.

The 2014 World Cup winner’s stellar displays have continued despite his new role in midfield and he has contributed 12 assists to go with his solitary goal so far. And he feels that ultimately playing to the team’s requirements matters the most.
 


“At the end of the day the important thing is that you’re able to work well in the team”, Kroos said in an interview with FIFA.

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“We tend to play with three central midfielders and at the moment I have the more defensive role, and have done since the beginning of the season. I very much enjoy playing there.”

The 25-year-old acknowledged that his positioning boils down to the requirements of the team and to find the right balance between defence and attack.

And with Real Madrid blessed with an array of attacking players like Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Isco among others, it is important for Kroos to provide a defensive foundation to help his attacking team-mates.

“Over the years I’ve been moving further back bit by bit, and that’s fine by me. In Madrid it’s important that we have the right balance.

“Normally we have a lot of very attack-minded players on the pitch, so for me it’s almost of secondary importance to get forward.

“Instead, I focus on how the game is going in the middle of the park and that we’re well positioned.”

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