3) How should Juventus deal with Toni Kroos?
94%. That’s the number that should be burned into the minds of Sami Khedira and Miralem Pjanic. That is the pass accuracy of Toni Kroos in the Champions League this season – the highest for any player that has played at least 10 games.
There’s no doubt that Kroos makes this Real Madrid team tick. The German is the heartbeat and the engine of the midfield and the 27-year-old has also created the most chances this season (31).
While Luka Modric and Casemiro will also be key players in Real’s midfield, it is Kroos that Juventus must keep an eye on. His keen eye for a long ball to bypass the midfield and defence is also something Khedira and Pjanic will have to watch out for.
Asking either Khedira or Pjanic to mark Kroos could expose them in midfield. Real could also easily outnumber Allegri’s side in midfield if Isco plays a central role unless Juve’s forwards drop deep to assist. Besides, Khedira may be tasked with tracking Cristiano Ronaldo.
That is why Paulo Dybala will have to play the game of his life in attack and defence. When Juve do not have the ball, the Argentine forward will have to track back and assist his midfielders. And it will be his job to mark Kroos and prevent him from controlling the game.
