Neither Mbappe nor Vinicius: Kroos warns Bayern against this Real star | OneFootball

Ahead of the Champions League clash between FC Bayern and Real Madrid, the focus is on one player who can currently make the difference. Toni Kroos has identified Federico Valverde as the biggest source of danger

The former Bayern professional, who became a club legend at Real Madrid, has strong words for his former team-mate. For Kroos, one thing is certain: Valverde is currently one of the most in-form players in European soccer – and could become a decisive problem for Munich

Kroos has been particularly impressed by the Uruguayan’s development in recent weeks, with Valverde making a statement in the round of 16 against Manchester City and leading Real to the quarter-finals with an outstanding performance

„Since then, he’s been flying over the pitches. It’s really brutal what he’s playing at the moment,“ Kroos emphasized as co-commentator during the broadcast of his Icon League match

The 2014 world champion not only emphasized the 27-year-old’s sporting quality, but also his mentality. Especially in difficult phases, Valverde is able to take responsibility and carry the team along

Complete package of quality and mentality

photo: IMAGO

For Kroos, this is precisely where the midfielder’s particular strength lies. Valverde is not only technically strong, but also a player who can shape the game with his dynamism and commitment. „He’s a guy who not only has quality, but also mentality,“ Kroos continued

With 18 scoring points in 39 competitive matches, Valverde also underlines his importance for the Whites statistically

For FC Bayern, this means that in the duel with Real Madrid, it will not only be a question of Vinicius or Mbappe in attack – but also of control in midfield

Valverde’s dynamism, his running power and his ability to take control of games could become a decisive factor

Munich will be called upon to stabilize the center and put Valverde under pressure early on, otherwise the scenario Kroos warns of could play out: a player who can turn the game on his own

One thing is clear: if FC Bayern want to take the next step towards the semi-finals, there is no way around getting a grip on Federico Valverde.