Spanish Media: Marking Kroos Becomes Spain’s Top Priority, Multiple Defensive Lines Planned to Stop His Passes

According to Spanish newspaper AS, the Spanish national team is diligently preparing for the quarterfinal clash of the European Championship, focusing on neutralizing Germany’s midfield maestro Toni Kroos. Known for his exceptional passing abilities and field vision, Kroos poses a significant threat to any opponent. To curb his influence, La Roja has devised a series of tactically intricate strategies.

Firstly, Spain will utilize striker Morata’s dynamic movement and high pressing to create the first line of defense against Kroos. Morata’s mission is to disrupt his touches and hinder the initial connection with teammates. Midfielders like Pedri will coordinate with Morata to congest the space around Kroos, preventing him from launching swift counterattacks easily.

The Spanish backline, particularly Laporte and Lenglet, will have their work cut out, needing to be vigilant against Kroos’ pinpoint long balls, ensuring they don’t leave gaps for the opposition to exploit. Rodri, in the center of the pitch, will play a crucial role, supporting both defensive and offensive transitions and reacting swiftly to intercept or steal the ball when Kroos attempts to break through.

Full-backs, especially Carvajal, will be responsible for guarding against Kroos’ long-range efforts, especially during set-pieces. Given the danger of Kroos’ shooting prowess, the Spanish side must remain extra cautious at these moments, not allowing any opportunities for him to shoot.

Teamwork lies at the heart of Spain’s tactics. As Kroos’ influence spans the entire field, the team must demonstrate high levels of coordination, with players marking, predicting, and switching positions collectively to withstand the pressure he brings. Each player must understand their role while being ready to support their teammates, ensuring the defensive structure remains solid.

Lastly, Spain must also be wary of other German midfielders like Wirtz and Gundogan, prepared for Germany to alter their approach and initiate attacks through these players. Spain’s defensive strategy should not only concentrate on Kroos but also exhibit adaptability to cope with potential match fluctuations.

In conclusion, the Spanish national team is thoroughly preparing for the challenge posed by Kroos and his teammates. By implementing these tactics, they aim to effectively stifle Kroos’ performance, laying a strong foundation for securing victory.