Toni Kroos has been compared to Xabi Alonso since they both play a holding midfield role and swapped clubs in the summer.

”I don’t like the comparisons with Xabi Alonso, although it’s true we’re not that different positionally," said Kroos. "We weren’t directly exchanged as players, Bayern made the decision to sign him because of the injury problems they were having.”

Kroos believes the mid-table clubs in La Liga are better than they are in the Bundesliga.

“I think I’ve adapted well in a short space of time. I feel like I’ve integrated well with the team, both on and off the pitch. I’m trying to learn Spanish little by little but I’m getting on fine with English at the moment.

“I think the smaller teams present a bigger challenge over here. I think there are better players here in Spain, but there are probably more dangerous teams back in Germany.”