3. Toni Kroos
Bayern Munich's loss was Real Madrid's gain when they did not sign Toni Kroos to a contract extension he truly deserved. Kroos arrived at the Spanish Capital in one of the most low-profile transfers, but he went on to become one of Florentino Perez’s masterstrokes in the transfer market. For a decade, Kroos remained Madrid’s metronome, dominating world football from the heart of Real’s midfield alongside Modric and Casemiro.
Kroos was never known for his athleticism. but he never needed it in the first place. His job profile never needed him to do the dirty work. Simply put, he was the best passer to have ever graced the game. He had ridiculous control while striking the ball, whether it was short or long, lofted or drilled. Regardless of whether you give him space and time, he’d tear apart any opponent at ease.
Crucially enough, Kroos knew exactly when to walk away. He enjoyed one of his best seasons in 2023-24, adding a LaLiga-UCL double to his 23 major titles in the Royal White. He retired at the peak of his powers with no further heights to scale, making way for an exciting young fold in Madrid’s midfield featuring the likes of Jude Bellingham, Fede Valverde, and Eduardo Camavinga.