Germany captain Ilkay Gundogan is relishing the opportunity to play with Toni Kroos before the former Real Madrid man hangs up his boots at the end of Euro 2024.
Kroos has committed to retiring at the end of the tournament, meaning tonight’s round of 16 clash with Denmark could be his last as a professional.
The 34-year-old came out of a self-imposed international exile shortly before Euro 2024 in an attempt to round off his career with success on home soil.
It has been so far, so good for Germany with Julian Nagelsmann’s men cruising through the first stage as winners of Group A, although they did require a last-gasp goal from Niclas Fullkrug to secure a 1-1 draw against Switzerland and claim top spot.
Gundogan believes Kroos’ presence means it is easier for him to play in a more advanced role.
He told The Athletic: “For a long time, I’ve been playing for Germany without thinking too much. I am so comfortable on the pitch with my team-mates and in my position.
“At Manchester City, I played a lot in this role. With Barcelona, I have played anywhere I have been needed, so it has been a bit messy, with a lot of changes of position. I have needed to adapt constantly. Sometimes playing well is also knowing which position you play, who is playing around you, and feeling comfortable with it.
“Especially playing with Toni, I have the freedom to stay more in front and wait because you know the ball at some point is going to come. Only a handful of players in world football have his quality and calmness on the ball. He is so consistent and gives our team stability.
“He reads the game, gives us balance with and without the ball, and he gives other players like me more freedom to get in dangerous positions. Without Toni, you might start to get impatient, and maybe you drop deeper to receive the ball, which is not the purpose of that position. Now I know the ball will arrive — I just need to be ready. That makes things much easier.”
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Captain Gundogan
Gundogan was made skipper nine months ago and enjoys the responsibility it brings.
The Barcelona midfielder is happy to air his views as he believes it’s the only way players learn.
He added: “I like to be in front of the team and if the coach tells me, ‘Look, Gundo, you did this wrong’, I want to get better so thanks for letting me know.
“If it’s in front of my team-mates even better, so they see what we all need to do.
“I see myself as very tolerant. Everyone is so different and I love it. I am far away from saying everyone has to think like me, because I am far away from being perfect as well. But if you’re not honest, your progress will get stuck. It’s the only way to keep improving.”