One Real Madrid star has been named one of the five best midfielders in football history as he enters the twilight of his career.
Los Blancos have the chance to draw level on points with Girona at the top of La Liga with a win over Granada on Saturday afternoon.
Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti's side have secured qualification to the knockout stages of the Champions League following their 4-2 win over Napoli in the week.
Advert
New signing Jude Bellingham has dominated the headlines for Madrid since making the move from Borussia Dortmund over the summer.
However, Granada midfielder Gonzalo Villar focused on Bellingham's veteran teammate Toni Kroos in the lead-up to their clash at the Bernabeu
The German has established himself as one of the Spanish side's most important players over the last 10 seasons, winning five Champions League titles, three La Liga titles and one Copa del Rey, among several other accolades.
Advert
Speaking in an interview with Spanish outlet AS ahead of Saturday's contest, Villar spoke highly of Kroos.
“For me, Kroos is one of the five best midfielders in history," he said. "I am still below him. But he is a great player for me."
Both Villar and Kroos have five goal contributions to their name so far this season, and the Granada midfielder will be looking to get the better of his idol on this occasion.
Speaking on how his side plan to approach the game, Villar added: “We must be an organised team and strong defensively.
Advert
"We may not have many opportunities, but we have to be effective and take advantage of them.
“Playing at the Bernabéu is different from anywhere else. For me, this is the stadium that I liked, along with Milan, and it is the place that impressed me the most and the place that I enjoyed playing in the most since I became a professional. It is something amazing, he expressed."
Featured Image Credit: GettyTopics: Real Madrid, Toni Kroos, Football, La Liga