Kroos can become national starter, Nerlinger says

Bayern Munich sporting director Christian Nerlinger said midfielder Toni Kroos can become a key player for the Bavarians and for Germany.

Kroos, 21, returned to Bayern last year after an 18-month loan spell at Bayer Leverkusen, and has since developed into an important first team member at the Allianz Arena.

“Toni is an exceptional player with outstanding technical skills. Under (manager) Jupp Heynckes, he’s now taken the right steps in terms of mentality, commitment and work-rate,” Nerlinger told the club’s official website.

“He’s on course to becoming a vital player for Bayern and also for Germany. He’s come on fantastically, and he’s far from complete yet, so I’m really delighted we’ve signed him up at Bayern for the long term.”

Kroos has a contract with Bayern Munich until 2015.