Toni Kroos appears to aim subtle dig at Kylian Mbappe & Vinicius Junior over lack of defensive work at Real Madrid

Kroos insisted more effort is required from Real Madrid's frontline players like Mbappe and Vinicius. The pair came in for criticism from some circles for a perceived lack of defensive work last season under Carlo Ancelotti, with their Champions League exit to Arsenal showing the difference between a hardworking lineup and one relying on moments of magic for success.

Mbappe and Vinicius have both enjoyed fruitful seasons in front of goal but they have recently been tasked with adapting to a new manager's ideas after Xabi Alonso replaced Carlo Ancelotti in the Bernabeu dugout. The Spaniard will demand more energy from his players than his predecessor and Kroos believes getting them to work well in defence is of paramount importance.

Kroos told Gazzetta dello Sport: "Good players can and should play together. But they also have to defend. For me, attack and defence have always been inseparable."

Kroos retired in 2024 after an incredible career which included victory at the 2014 World Cup with Germany alongside a raft of trophies won during his time with Real Madrid. However, Los Blancos have had a tough season in their first campaign without Kroos since 2013-14, finishing second in La Liga and being eliminated from the Champions League in the quarter-finals.

Real Madrid had to endure some travel chaos as they made their way across the United States for their Club World Cup semi-final with Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday night.