Toni Kroos draws comparison with Manchester City star Rodri ahead of Euro quarter-final clash

Manchester City star Rodri has been praised by Real Madrid and Germany midfielder Toni Kroos.

The 34-year-old is set to retire from professional football after Germany’s European Championship campaign ends, with Julian Nagelsmann’s side facing Spain in the quarter-finals at Arena Stuttgart on Friday night.

The two European heavyweights will clash in the last 16 of the tournament, with France or Portugal awaiting the winners in Tuesday’s semi-final at the Allianz Arena in Munich.

Germany’s midfield is expected to include senior pair Toni Kroos and Ilkay Gundogan, while Manchester City’s Rodri is likely to play another crucial role for Spain, the 28-year-old scoring during the last 16 win over Georgia .

The Spaniard made 50 starts for the Sky Blues during the recent 2023/24 campaign and revealed his concerns about fatigue and exhaustion after helping Manchester City to a fourth successive Premier League title.

The midfielder has made 257 appearances for Manchester City since arriving at the Etihad Stadium from Atletico Madrid in 2019 and has won 11 trophies, including the UEFA Champions League.

The Manchester City star was praised by Kroos ahead of Friday’s Euro quarter-final, with the outgoing Germany legend saying: “Me and Rodri? Rodri is one of the most decisive players for Spain and City.

“He doesn’t get nervous, he never seems to be under pressure. He scored important goals. He is a top player for Guardiola. I think he’s more of a pivot and I’m more of a number 8.”

Etihad chiefs are set to open talks to extend Manchester City midfielder Rodri’s contract after the European Championship ends and plan to offer the Spain international a new long-term deal until 2029.

Furthermore, the deal would make Rodri one of Manchester City’s biggest earners, with wages similar to those earned by both Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland.