Kroos backs Bellingham to become best midfielder in the world

Toni Kroos believes “incredible” former team-mate Jude Bellingham can become the best midfielder in the world after his fine start to life at Real Madrid. 

Bellingham, who joined Madrid back in 2023, only played with Kroos for one season before the former World Cup winner retired at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.

However, that one campaign together saw Los Blancos lift the LaLiga and Champions League titles, along with the Supercopa Espana and Super Cup in the process. 

Since the 22-year-old’s arrival in the Spanish capital, Bellingham has made 98 appearances across all competitions, scoring 46 goals as well as providing 32 assists. 

Bellingham’s 78 goal involvements are only bettered by Vinicius Junior (103) and Kylian Mbappe (97) for Madrid since his debut, and Kroos believes he can get even better.

“Bellingham is one of my absolute favourite players. He has everything to show,” Kroos said.

“He can be an incredibly complete player who can be the best in his position. He has all the attributes for it. He has an incredible understanding of the game. 

“He has the physicality to hold his own in defensive duels. He has a good finish with his left, right foot, and head.

“He goes into the box and understands the game. He has a great mentality. I don’t know if people notice it, but I am a big fan of his.”

Bellingham’s start to the 2025-26 campaign was delayed after undergoing shoulder surgery, but was able to return to action sooner than expected. 

He managed 15 goal involvements (nine goals, six assists) in 46 appearances across all competitions, but Madrid finished their season without any major silverware. 

Madrid confirmed that Alvaro Arbeloa, who had taken over from Xabi Alonso in January, would leave the club at the end of last term, paving the way for a sensational return for Jose Mourinho, who managed the club between 2010 and 2013. 

Los Blancos’ rebuild has already begun to take shape, with Marc Cucurella joining from Chelsea in a reported €55m (£47.5m) deal, that could rise as high as €60m (£51.8m).

Bernardo Silva and Ibrahima Konate have also made the move to Madrid, while they have also seen a €150m bid rejected by Atletico Madrid for Julian Alvarez earlier this month. 

Michael Olise has also been linked with a big-money move to Madrid, while Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez is also a reported target for the LaLiga giants.