Toni Kroos

[Matty]

Out of curiosity why don't you think Kroos would be ideal?

Just to give you my two cents worth - I think he's absolutely the missing link for us. His passing range is made for a manager like Pep. His intelligence at the base of a midfield three is second to none. He compliments Gundogan perfectly. It's just a no brainer if we can get him IMO.

I think the general concern regarding Kroos seems to be one of his athleticism. He's not the quickest and he doesn't cover huge amounts of ground when doing his defensive duties. Given the pace at which Premier League football is played he may at times struggle in that regard.

 

[SexAndManCity]

I don't like Silva playing so far forward, like he does for Spain, he has plenty of quick forwards to supply at City that it's not necessary.
It's fine once the play is up there and he joins, but without someone playing balls out from deeper, it doesn't always get there.
I'd say that Gundogan is more than capable of spreading play from deep if necessary and familiar with retaining possession and getting the ball to forwards more gradually.
I think an urgency in midfield, stealing the ball, keeping the ball, moving the ball, being available to receive the ball is what gets everything going.
I'd say Germany would be better with Gundogan doing that than Khedira but he seems to be behind him in the pecking order even when fit.

 

[BillyShears]

I think the general concern regarding Kroos seems to be one of his athleticism. He's not the quickest and he doesn't cover huge amounts of ground when doing his defensive duties. Given the pace at which Premier League football is played he may at times struggle in that regard.

Wouldn't worry me (the athleticism thing) because he isn't going to be playing as a defensive midfielder or a destroyer, he'll be there to dictate the play. The defensive side of things will come down to the legs which are put in midfield around him. I guess that's why I said that him and Gundo compliment each other so well. That's exactly Gundogan's game, getting up and down the pitch, making telling tackles and interceptions.

 

[OB1]

I could tell you my honest opinion and that would be: Yes, Kroos is the best passer of the ball. But than we would be in full agreement and that worries me ...

Ha, it has happened before but it is a bit of a worry. :-)

 

[OB1]

Wouldn't worry me (the athleticism thing) because he isn't going to be playing as a defensive midfielder or a destroyer, he'll be there to dictate the play. The defensive side of things will come down to the legs which are put in midfield around him. I guess that's why I said that him and Gundo compliment each other so well. That's exactly Gundogan's game, getting up and down the pitch, making telling tackles and interceptions.

Kroos would replace Yaya but in a three not a midfield two.

One of the points about having players like him and Gundogan together would be that we would be even more dominant than ever in terms of possession but when we lose possession it will be about the whole team winning it back quickly and moving together in a way that makes that achievable.

I opined a few days back that whilst Pogba was top of my wish list, Kroos was very close; since then, Kroos has moved to the top of my personal wish list for purchases. I'm not overly hopeful of us getting him this summer but I do think we might be able to offer him a pay rise and he and Pep are mutual admirers so maybe there is a chink of light shining some hope on such a deal.

 

[BillyShears]

Kroos would replace Yaya but in a three not a midfield two.

One of the points about having players like him and Gundogan together would be that we would be even more dominant than ever in terms of possession but when we lose possession it will be about the whole team winning it back quickly and moving together in a way that makes that achievable.

I opined a few days back that whilst Pogba was top of my wish list, Kroos was very close; since then, Kroos has moved to the top of my personal wish list for purchases. I'm not overly hopeful of us getting him this summer but I do think we might be able to offer him a pay rise and he and Pep are mutual admirers so maybe there is a chink of light shining some hope on such a deal.

Kroos/Kante/Gundogan = WINNING

:)

 

[_OVO_]

Just a random stat comparison b/w Kroos, Modric, Pogba and G-dog. It's rather unfair on G-dog because he didn't play quite as much as others, but he seems to be one of the more well-rounded players, ability wise. And Kroos isn't half bad defensively either. I genuinely think that a midfield trio of Ferna, G-dog and Kroos would be one of the most, if not the most well-balanced trio in Europe.

Edit: Compare the above with the City boys stats of last year. Kroos is definitely an upgrade on Yaya.

 

[Matty]

Just a random stat comparison b/w Kroos, Modric, Pogba and G-dog. It's rather unfair on G-dog because he didn't play quite as much as others, but he seems to be one of the more well-rounded players, ability wise. And Kroos isn't half bad defensively either. I genuinely think that a midfield trio of Ferna, G-dog and Kroos would be one of the most, if not the most well-balanced trio in Europe.

Edit: Compare the above with the City boys stats of last year. Kroos is definitely an upgrade on Yaya.

I think what those stats indicate are that Gundogan is a very good player, but not quite on the same level as Kroos, Modric or Pogba. That's to be expected, we just bought Gundogan for slightly less than £20m, you'd be paying something between £50m and £70m for the other 3 no doubt.

 

[_OVO_]

I think what those stats indicate are that Gundogan is a very good player, but not quite on the same level as Kroos, Modric or Pogba. That's to be expected, we just bought Gundogan for slightly less than £20m, you'd be paying something between £50m and £70m for the other 3 no doubt.

Not to be rude or something nut I kinda disagree, I think the only reason why Gundogan came cheap is that he's struggling with injuries. Considering he has played 7-10 games / 1000 min (avg) less than others, he's almost similar to those three in terms of stats. If we manage to keep him fit, it would well and truly be a bargain of the season.
Moreover, If we somehow manage to get Kroos as well, our midfield would be untouchable.

 

[mikemcfcwilde]

Not to be rude or something nut I kinda disagree, I think the only reason why Gundogan came cheap is that he's struggling with injuries. Considering he has played 7-10 games / 1000 min (avg) less than others, he's almost similar to those three in terms of stats. If we manage to keep him fit, it would well and truly be a bargain of the season.
Moreover, If we somehow manage to get Kroos as well, our midfield would be untouchable.

Yeah, I think alot of people on here don't actually realise how good a fully fit Gundogan is.