Toni Kroos in Awe: “Lamine Yamal Plays Beyond His Age!”
Toni Kroos couldn’t hide his admiration for Barcelona’s young star, Lamine Yamal. In an exclusive interview, Kroos described Yamal as the most spectacular 17-year-old player he has ever seen in his entire career. Despite Yamal playing for Real Madrid’s biggest rival, Kroos offered sincere praise for the teenager’s quality, consistency, and exceptional mentality at such a young age.
Although Kroos retired after Euro 2024, he still keeps a close eye on football. One name that caught his full attention is Yamal. In fact, Kroos confessed he had never seen a 17-year-old play at such a high level so consistently.
Honest Comparison: Yamal Outshines Kroos at the Same Age
Toni Kroos didn’t hide his admiration. During an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, he admitted that he also broke into Bayern Munich’s first team at 17. But when compared to Yamal’s current level, Kroos humbly said there’s no contest.
“He’s simply on another level,” said Kroos. He wasn’t talking about raw talent, but about consistency. Many young players show glimpses of brilliance. But very few can perform consistently at the top like Yamal does.
“Talent is common. But consistency at 17? That’s exceptional,” Kroos added. This statement highlights just how special Yamal truly is in the eyes of a football legend.
It’s More Than Skill: Yamal’s Mentality Impresses Kroos
While Kroos admires Yamal’s technical skills, what impressed him the most is the teenager’s mentality. Yamal never hides when pressure builds. Instead, he steps forward when his team needs him most.
Kroos described Yamal as a player with a “steel mentality.” At just 17, he carries weight and responsibility that many seasoned pros would hesitate to shoulder. According to Kroos, that is extremely rare.
“He steps up when the team struggles. He’s not a spectator—he changes games,” said Kroos. These words show that Yamal isn’t just talented—he’s fearless and mature beyond his years.
Praise Comes After Painful Defeat
What makes Kroos’s admiration even more powerful is the context. He had just retired after Germany’s elimination by Spain in Euro 2024—a match where Yamal played a key role. Yet, instead of resentment, Kroos offered respect.
This act reveals Kroos’s character. Defeat didn’t stop him from appreciating greatness. That kind of humility and sportsmanship is rare in football, especially between fierce rivals like Madrid and Barça.
Kroos’s gesture is a powerful reminder: respect always matters, no matter the shirt colors or history.
A Wise Warning from a Football Icon
Along with his glowing praise, Toni Kroos delivered wise advice. He reminded the young star that football is not a sprint—it’s a marathon. One good season means little without long-term growth.
The biggest challenge for Yamal, Kroos said, will come off the pitch. External pressures, media hype, and personal life could all affect his focus. The key lies in how he manages everything outside the field.
“Football success doesn’t just depend on what you do on the pitch,” Kroos said. “It’s also about how you handle life away from the game. That has a huge impact.”
Yamal’s Journey Just Getting Started
Toni Kroos doesn’t doubt Yamal’s talent or current form. But he hopes the young player stays grounded. Every move, every word, and every decision will now be scrutinized.
Yamal already shines. But to become a legend, he must stay focused. With hard work, humility, and the right mindset, he can go far. Kroos has seen it all—and his advice shouldn’t be taken lightly.
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