'Simply unbelievable' - Toni Kroos insists Germany are well aware of Lamine Yamal's threat ahead of Euro 2024 showdown as he lauds Spain & Barcelona starlet despite Real Madrid connection

Ahead of Germany taking on Spain in the quarter-finals of the Euros, now former Real Madrid ace Kroos has heaped praise on teenager Yamal. The veteran, who is retiring from football after this tournament, says his side need to keep the Barcelona man and team-mate Nico Williams under wraps if they want to reach the last four of Euro 2024 on home soil.

He told reporters: "In recent years players seem to be better now at younger ages, it’s really incredible. He [Yamal] was Barcelona’s most dangerous player last season. We know what he’s capable of and will try to keep him and Nico Williams as quiet as possible. To be that good at 16 is simply unbelievable."

Germany have impressed this tournament but Spain have, arguably, been the best team so far and are the only side to win every game. This mouth-watering clash could be the last time anyone sees Kroos on a football pitch, but he will want to make sure he goes out with a bang by reaching the final and winning the Euros.

Kroos' Germany team take on Spain at MHPArena in Stuttgart on Friday evening, with the victor lining up against either 2016 winners Portugal or that year's runner-up France in the semi-finals of the tournament on July 9.