Real Madrid News
Carlo Ancelotti heaps praise on Eduardo Camavinga; backs him to emulate Modric and co
Real Madrid’s fascinating comeback win over Paris Saint-Germain this midweek, coupled with their unassailable lead at the top of La Liga table appears to have overshadowed glaring issues within the squad that need fixing in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The midfield department is primarily a concern for Los Blancos, with three of the old guards in Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Casemiro all currently in the final phase of their respective careers.
Although neither of the three individuals has shown any signs of slowing down, the thirst for youngster alternatives is apparent. And it could ultimately see Real Madrid banking on the transfer market, perhaps even after the end of the ongoing campaign.
However, in a recent interaction with the media, Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has backed his current set of alternatives to emulate the likes of Kroos, Casemiro and Modric and succeed in the future.
The Italian tactician heaped praise on Eduardo Camavinga, in particular, backing him to become the face of the Real Madrid midfield in the future.
“Camavinga is the present and the future of this club. This is quite clear for him and for us,” said Ancelotti in his latest press conference (h/t Football-Espana).
Camavinga was one of the top performers in Real Madrid’s win over PSG, with his impressive second-half shift changing the dynamics of the game.
Adding to his monologue, Ancelotti backed Camavinga, as well as other young midfielders in the team such as Federico Valverde and Antonio Blanco, to emulate the current legends.
“The day that Modric, Casemiro and Kroos are older, we will have Camavinga, Valverde, the youngsters who are in the Castilla, like Antonio Blanco. We have the ideal relief for these legends of the club,” he said.
Camavinga and Valverde are both expected to start for Real Madrid in their upcoming game against RCD Mallorca later this evening. It will be an exciting opportunity for the duo to back the words of their manager, as Los Blancos look to maintain their healthy lead at the top of the table.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. admits finishing problem after another frustrating night vs Elche: ‘Can’t miss that much’
Vinicius Jr.’s difficult start in front of goal continued against Elche, and the Real Madrid forward did not need anyone to tell him he had missed another chance to make the difference.
The Brazilian finished the night without a goal despite having chances to get on the scoresheet, while his teammates could only watch from the bench as opportunities went begging.
Jose Mourinho had already identified the problem before kick-off, bluntly pointing to the issue facing his forward, stating, “He’s missing the goal.”
Vini offered an equally frank assessment afterwards.
Rather than hide from another frustrating evening, he accepted responsibility on social media: “The goals will come back; I can’t miss that much…”
Two chances, no finish for Vinicius
Vinicius had two particularly clear openings against Elche, but neither produced the finish Real Madrid needed from their star forward.
The first arrived when he found himself one-on-one with the opposition goalkeeper.
Instead of finding the net, Vinicius caught the ball with the tip of his foot and sent his effort wide. Arda Guler was available during the move and called for the ball, but Vini backed himself to finish the chance.
He had another opportunity after the interval, this time following an excellent pass from Guler during a quick Real Madrid transition. Again, though, Vinicius could not find the target.
His evening ended in the 68th minute, with Mourinho deciding the Brazilian was tired and turning his attention towards Sunday’s Atletico Madrid derby.
Mourinho has a bigger decision to make
The numbers show why Vinicius’ finishing has become a talking point. He managed five shots against Elche, but only one was on target and none found the net.
After seven appearances this season, the Brazilian has scored just once, which is a striking return for a player Real Madrid rely upon to provide a major share of their attacking threat.
Ultimately, though, Real Madrid found another route to victory, with Arda Guler, Kylian Mbappe and Carlos Espi providing the goals in the 3-2 comeback.
