Angelo Stiller is a hybrid—part playmaker, part anchor—drawing comparisons to both Kroos and Joshua Kimmich.
Image credit: Rising Stars XI
As Europe’s footballing giants prepare for a summer of high-stakes transfers, two of the biggest names—Liverpool and Real Madrid—have set their sights on a quietly brilliant talent in the Bundesliga: Angelo Stiller.
Tipped by many as the heir to Toni Kroos, Stiller is more than just a promising midfielder—he’s a player with the intelligence, maturity, and technical craft to shape games at the highest level.
A Bayern-Born Talent
Born in Munich to a Bayern-supporting family, it seemed only a matter of time before Stiller would join his hometown club.
Yet, as a child, he delayed joining Bayern for a season, choosing instead to enjoy one more year playing with friends at local side Milbertshofen.
When he finally joined Bayern in 2010, his development was swift and impressive, climbing the youth ranks to the U19s by age 17.
Mentored by Hoeness
Stiller’s professional breakthrough came under Sebastian Hoeness, who promoted him to Bayern Munich II in 2019.
Their bond proved pivotal in Stiller’s career.
After making his senior debut under Hansi Flick in 2020, Stiller followed Hoeness to Hoffenheim and later Stuttgart, where their footballing philosophies continued to align.
“It’s special when a coach follows your journey,” Stiller said. “We see football the same way—both attacking and defensive.”
Stuttgart Success and Bundesliga Impact
In 2023, Stuttgart secured Stiller for just €5.5 million, a bargain considering his subsequent performances.
Despite a modest league campaign this season, Stiller has stood out individually—8 assists, 4 goals, and a commanding presence in midfield.
His contributions were instrumental in Stuttgart’s unexpected second-place finish in the previous Bundesliga season and their upcoming appearance in the DFB-Pokal final.
A New Role in the National Team
With Toni Kroos retiring after Euro 2024, Germany needed fresh leadership in midfield.
Stiller stepped up. He’s earned four national caps already and fits seamlessly into Julian Nagelsmann’s vision for Germany’s 2026 World Cup squad.
Nagelsmann praises Stiller’s intelligence and adaptability. “He understands the game. He knows when to play one touch or two—rarely more. That’s what makes him special.”
More Than a Defensive Midfielder
Don’t mistake Stiller for a traditional No.6.
He’s a hybrid—part playmaker, part anchor—drawing comparisons to both Kroos and Joshua Kimmich.
Creative, composed, and tactically astute, he’s capable of dictating the pace and flow of matches.
His development into a more defensively complete player has added layers to his game.
“It’s not just about having the ball,” Stiller said recently. “It has to hurt sometimes too.”
What’s Next?
The summer ahead could be career-defining. While his release clause only activates in 2026, Goal suggests that the likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid may be tempted to bid early.
Yet Stiller, ever thoughtful and deliberate, may wait—especially if guaranteed playing time ahead of World Cup 2026 is a top priority.
With Stuttgart eyeing DFB-Pokal silverware on May 24 and his national team future looking bright, Angelo Stiller is a name you’ll be hearing a lot more of—possibly in the Premier League or La Liga.
