Toni Kroos just keeps getting better and better. Following his contribution against Cruz Azul, he now has ten assists this season, meaning he has equalled his best-ever tally for a campaign in just four months at Real Madrid.

Kroos has made 25 appearances for Real Madrid, clocking up 2,035 minutes on the pitch

The German has set up seven goals in La Liga and two in the Champions League to go with the textbook free-kick delivery from which Sergio Ramos headed home against the Mexicans, making him the team's top assist provider together with Karim Benzema. This, despite the fact that he's playing in a deeper position for 'Los Blancos' than what he has been used to at Bayern Munich and at international level. Interestingly, Cristiano Ronaldo - often maligned as selfish - comes next in Real's assist charts with nine.

It was another masterclass from the 24-year-old in his 25th appearance at the heart of the Real midfield on Tuesday night. He completed 57 passes, misplaced just two, won the ball back seven times and nearly got on the scoresheet.

Kroos has become Carlo Ancelotti's linchpin, providing a platform in the middle of the park so that the rest of the team can do their thing.

A 17-minute breather

Ever-present in La Liga and the Champions League, the ex-Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen man is the most-used member of the 'Los Blancos' squad this season, having racked up 2,035 minutes of action.

The German completed 57 passes against Cruz Azul, misplacing just two

Well aware of Kroos's importance, Ancelotti took him off with 17 minutes to go against Cruz Azul, allowing him to save energy for the final. The German and Isco are shoo-ins to start in Saturday's showpiece, while James, Illarra and Sami Khedira are vying for a place alongside them.