Manchester City under-18 midfielder Isaiah Dada-Mascoll admits he looks up to Real Madrid great Toni Kroos.

The teen is back in action after an eight month injury lay-off.

"I really like the playing style of Toni Kroos," he told the Manchester Evening News. "I was watching the Real Madrid game [vs City] which was obviously a really disappointing result, but I like his movement, on and off the ball. You have the likes of Rodri, Bernardo Silva as midfield players. But I like Toni Kroos a lot.

"Being a possession-based club, it's vital for the central defensive midfielders to be technically and tactically capable of performing. I feel like it's instilled throughout all the age groups, from under-nines to EDS. There's a big emphasis on the defensive midfielder because it's vital for that player to be able to perform in order for the team to be able to progress up the pitch.

"I see the CDM (central defensive midfielder) as an anchor for the team. It's vital and an extra attacking vessel as well. To push forward. You see Rodri and other defensive midfielders progressing further in the pitch."