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ISTANBUL, TURKEY – OCTOBER 22: Toni Kroos of Real Madrid looks to bring the ball down during the UEFA Champions League group A match between Galatasaray and Real Madrid at Turk Telekom Arena on October 22, 2019 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Ricardo Nogueira/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images) /

Rising: Toni Kroos

What a return, huh?

Toni Kroos missed the loss against Mallorca with an adductor injury he suffered early against Granada before the October break. But Kroos was fit to start against Galatasaray, so Zidane wasn’t about to deny the all-important center midfielder a starting spot.

Kroos scored the lone goal in the victory, finding the back of the net in the 18th minute off a deflection after securing a pass from Eden Hazard. The goal is Kroos’ first of the campaign, but based on the way the technically prolific midfielder is shooting from distance, this should be one of many more to come.

Playing in a more advanced role under Zidane this season, Kroos is likely the first-choice attacking midfielder ahead of James Rodriguez and Luka Modric, with Fede Valverde and Casemiro playing the deeper roles and doing the dirty work so that Kroos can excel.

In addition to his goal, Kroos had four key passes and nearly 90% pass accuracy, per WhoScored.com. In spite of the fact that Real Madrid were out-possessed by Galatasaray, Kroos had a strong game and showed why he means so much to Los Blancos.

Even against Leganes, Kroos will be a must-start. He’s one of the players Zidane will feel he cannot afford to miss no matter what – and for good reason. Kroos has been incredible this year.

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