Kroos to emul-eight Breitner and Schuster

Toni Kroos

As already revealed in MARCA, Real Madrid's new signing Toni Kroos will sport the number eight shirt, which has been available since Kaká's departure from the club. The number has been worn by various important players in the club's illustrious history. The former Bayern star completes a hat-trick of German number eights following in the footsteps of Breitner and Schuster. There is no doubt that Kroos has a tough act to follow given that his predecessors really made their mark at the Bernabéu.

The number has always been associated with top quality footballers such as Amancio, Mijatović and McManaman, all of whom scored in successful Champions League final exploits for Real Madrid, as well as Míchel, a member of the renowned 'Quinta del Buitre'.

Going further back in time, Brazilian great Didi was also a Real Madrid number eight, although he only spent the 1959-60 season at the club just after being named player of the tournament at the 1958 World Cup. Two other midfielders to have worn number eight for 'Los Blancos' in recent times without quite reaching the heights of others include Brazilian Emerson and Argentine Gago.

Toni Kroos became a World Cup winner wearing number 18 and sported number 39 last season for Bayern Munich. The player did not hesitate when his new club suggested he become the third German to don the number eight. It is the perfect fit.

Marca