Joselu Mato: Real Madrid team-mate Toni Kroos deserves 'five Ballon d'Ors'

The German maestro, Toni Kroos, has only been in the starting lineup for one of those games, but his appearance off the bench against Getafe last weekend had a transformative impact on the match.

Kroos had contemplated retirement last year but ultimately decided to continue, and he marked his first start of the season with an assist for Bellingham during the Almeria match.

"Kroos should have five Ballon d'Ors!" Joselu told Diario AS.

"He is an incredible player, capable of changing a game. He is one of the players who has caught my attention the most at Real Madrid.

"He never loses a ball and plays with a level-headedness that makes him different. It's a pleasure to play with him."

In the previous campaign, Kroos was arguably Real Madrid's standout player in the lead-up to the Qatar World Cup.

Both he and Luka Modric face formidable competition for their positions this season, with Aurelien Tchouameni, Fede Valverde, Bellingham, and Eduardo Camavinga all vying for spots. However, the veteran players have already demonstrated their value.