Real Madrid is set to see a 21-year-old star make his Champions League debut against Liverpool, adding excitement to their upcoming clash. Meanwhile, Toni Kroos has hinted at a possible return to the club in the future, despite his recent retirement, keeping fans hopeful of his involvement once again at the Bernabeu.
21-Year-Old Real Madrid Star to Debut in Champions League vs Liverpool
Carlo Ancelotti faces a tough selection dilemma before Real Madrid’s upcoming trip to Liverpool at the end of the month, a crucial match for the reigning European champions. Having already suffered two losses in this season’s Champions League (against Lille and AC Milan), another defeat could end their chances of finishing in the top 8 of the group stage.
Real Madrid will be missing David Alaba and Eder Militao for their trip to Anfield, and it’s believed that Aurelien Tchouameni won’t be fit in time for the match. As a result, Raul Asencio is expected to partner Antonio Rudiger in defense, marking his Champions League debut, according to MD.
At right-back, Lucas Vazquez is uncertain to play, and if he’s unable to recover in time, Federico Valverde will likely be used as a makeshift right-back. It’s clear that this would not be an ideal lineup for Real Madrid.
Toni Kroos Hints at a Potential Return to Real Madrid
The iconic German midfielder retired at the end of last season, ending a decade-long career with the same boots he meticulously hand-washed after each match. Kroos’ 465th and final appearance for Real Madrid came in a Champions League final victory over Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium.
Spain, the eventual champions, eliminated Kroos’ Germany from Euro 2024 in May, and the 34-year-old has not been involved in competitive football since.
The 2014 World Cup winner shared that he’s open to taking on a future role at Real Madrid during the latest episode of the podcast he co-hosts with his brother, Felix, Einfach mal Luppen. “Now I’m fully occupied with my projects, but given the closeness with Madrid, my relationship at Madrid, I would never rule out doing something at the club at some point in the future,” he teased.
The former midfielder spent a decade in the Spanish capital, collecting 22 major trophies, including five Champions League titles. “The meaning of Real will always be the same for me,” Kroos admitted on his podcast. “It was a long, great, successful, and loving time with Real Madrid.
“It will always be like that; I will always be close to Real, there is no doubt about that. And I will always defend Real; I will always be on Real’s side. That won’t change; the relationship is simply too close.”
Kroos ranked ninth in this year’s Ballon d’Or and voiced his support for his former teammate, Vinicius Junior, who finished as runner-up to Rodri, praising the Brazilian as “the best” on social media.
The German was arguably in the best form of his career when he retired. Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti echoed the thoughts of many when he offered an open invitation to his midfield star at the end of last season. “I’ve told him we are waiting for him to change his mind,” the Italian coach grinned, “we are waiting for you.”
Although he clearly keeps an eye on his former club, the newly retired player cautioned that a return to the Bernabeu might not be on the cards just yet. “To appear now in the public environment of the club?” Kroos asked himself. “The first thing I would say is no, no matter how close I feel to the club.
“But I’m not saying I’m not going to do or have anything to do with Real again in my life; of course, I wouldn’t rule it out. In what role I can’t know, or whether the club can imagine it or not.”
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