Kroos astounds Bayern legend

Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness has been surprised by the sudden development of midfielder Toni Kroos.

Hoeness said he was certain the 21-year-old had reached a brick wall in terms of his growth, after initially failing to live up to his potential.

“For a long time I thought that he had no further potential and would not develop any more,” Hoeness told Kicker.

However, Kroos has since has grown into an important playmaker for the Bundesliga giants this season – to the extent that he could now be the man to help Bayern overcome world champions Barcelona, according to Hoeness.

“He has undergone a sensational development,” he said.

“If you want to overcome Barcelona, you need such a player.”

Current Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes worked with Kroos at Bayer Leverkusen during a loan spell between January 2009 and June 2010.

And the 66-year-old believes he has helped direct the midfielder onto the right track towards realising a fulfilling career.

“He knows what he needs to work on with me,” Heynckes said.

“I know him, I know what he wants and what type of player he is.”