Manchester City’s under-18 midfielder Isaiah Dada-Mascoll has openly expressed his admiration for Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos, highlighting the German midfielder’s playing style and movement both on and off the ball as sources of inspiration for his own game.
Dada-Mascoll, who recently returned to action following an eight-month injury lay-off, shared his admiration for Kroos in an interview with the Manchester Evening News.
Reflecting on Real Madrid’s recent clash against Manchester City, Dada-Mascoll praised Kroos’s performance despite the disappointing result for his own club.
“I really like the playing style of Toni Kroos,” Dada-Mascoll stated. “I was watching the Real Madrid game [vs City] which was obviously a really disappointing result, but I like his movement, on and off the ball.
You have the likes of Rodri, Bernardo Silva as midfield players. But I like Toni Kroos a lot.”
As a player within Manchester City’s possession-based system, Dada-Mascoll emphasized the importance of technical and tactical proficiency, particularly for central defensive midfielders.
He acknowledged the significant role played by defensive midfielders in the team’s style of play, highlighting their ability to provide defensive stability while also contributing to the team’s attacking endeavors.
“Being a possession-based club, it’s vital for the central defensive midfielders to be technically and tactically capable of performing,” Dada-Mascoll explained.
“I see the CDM (central defensive midfielder) as an anchor for the team. It’s vital and an extra attacking vessel as well. To push forward. You see Rodri and other defensive midfielders progressing further in the pitch.”
Dada-Mascoll’s remarks shed light on the influence of top-level players like Kroos on aspiring talents within Manchester City’s youth ranks, underscoring the club’s commitment to developing well-rounded players capable of thriving in their possession-oriented system.
