Toni Kroos only scores beautiful goals. The Real Madrid midfielder proved this statement true, scoring Los Blancos’ second goal of their Champions League match against Sheriff in Moldova.
Earlier in the match, Kroos forced a save after a shot from distance, with Karim Benzema tapping home the rebound. But Benz was ruled offside. Later in the first half, Kroos could have had another opportunity, but Rodrygo Goes put a little too much weight on the pass.
In the 46 minute, though, Rodrygo did not make a mistake this time. He combined wonderfully with Vinicius Junior, showing his tremendous close control (he was making plays throughout the first half) and smart quick passing to break down Sheriff’s defense.
Rodrygo found Kroos, and the world-class German midfielder did the rest. He squared up his foot for the finesse and made zero mistake, gorgeously guiding the ball to smack the underside of the crossbar. The ball crossed the line, and Real Madrid added comfort to the scoreline.
You can watch a video of the goal below:
TONI KROOS, UNDERSIDE OF THE BAR AND IN 💥 pic.twitter.com/Ish6pOBDHm
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) November 24, 2021
Toni Kroos is one of the most elegant players in football
Finesse shots are satisfying. First-time shots are satisfying. Shots that smack the underside of the bar and go in? More satisfying than a Snickers.
This Toni Kroos goal had all three of those things going for it. There is this elegant simplicity involved in everything Kroos does, and the veteran midfielder gave us a vintage best goal of his against Sheriff with this strike.
But I cannot avoid praising Rodrygo either. He truly is Mr. Champions League, and by playing him closer to the middle on the right side of the attack, Carlo Ancelotti just might have found a way to get even more out of the Brazilian. And it could be foreshadowing for Kylian Mbappe’s future role with Los Blancos if he joins Karim Benzema and Vini Jr. up top.
That’s for the future, though. For now, just enjoy the magic that is Toni Kroos. And please, please stop underrating him!