Ilkay Gundogan praises Kroos’ contribution ahead of Germany’s match against Denmark

Germany captain Ilkay Gundogan is relishing the chance to play alongside Toni Kroos before the former Real Madrid man hangs up his boots at the end of Euro 2024.

Kroos has committed to retirement at the end of the tournament, meaning tonight’s round of 16 match against Denmark could be his last as a professional player.

The 34-year-old came out of international exile just before Euro 2024 in an attempt to finish his career on home soil.

So far, so good for Germany with Julian Nagelsmann’s men progressing to the first round as Group A winners, although they needed a late goal from Niclas Fullkrug to earn a 1-1 draw with Switzerland and take top spot. .

Gundogan believes Kroos’ presence means it is easier for him to play a more advanced role.

He told The Athletic: “I’ve been playing for Germany for a long time without thinking too much. I am very comfortable on the field with my teammates and my environment.

“At Manchester City, I played a lot in this role. With Barcelona, ​​I played wherever I was needed, so there was a lot of confusion, there were a lot of changes in place. I have had to adapt constantly. Sometimes playing well is knowing where you are playing, who is playing next to you, and being comfortable with it.

“Especially playing with Toni, I have the right to sit forward and wait because you know that the ball will come at a certain time. Few players in world football have his quality and composure on the ball. He is flexible and gives stability to our team.

“He reads the game, gives us balance off the ball, and gives other players like me more freedom to get into dangerous areas. Without Toni, you might start to get impatient, and maybe go deep to get the ball, which is not the purpose of that situation. Now I know the ball will come – I need to stay ready. That makes things a lot easier.”

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Captain Gundogan

Gundogan was made captain nine months ago and is relishing the responsibility it brings.

The Barcelona midfielder is happy to express his views as he believes that this is the only way players learn.

He continued: “I like to be in front of the team and when the coach tells me, ‘Look, Gundo, you did bad’, I want to get better so I thank you for letting me know.

“If it’s in front of our teammates, it’s even better, so they see what we all have to do.

“I see myself as very patient. Everyone is different and I love it. I am far from saying that everyone should think like me, because I am far from perfect. But if you are not honest, your progress will be stunted. It is the only way to continue to progress.”