Real Madrid News
Eden Hazard has requested Real Madrid coaches for a change in position – report
Eden Hazard’s move to Real Madrid has not quite gone to plan for either party. The Belgian was one of the best players in the world in 2019 when he arrived to the Spanish capital, but has been a victim of recurring injuries and health issues since.
To put things into context, Hazard has played just 48 games in La Liga over the last three season, registering four goals and six assists. Vinicius Jr’s increasing importance in the team – on the left-wing no less – makes matters worse for him.
Hazard has recovered from his latest injury and is completely ready for the 2022/23 season. He has, however, requested Carlo Ancelotti and the Madrid coaches to change his position, according to a Sport1 report, as relayed by Defensa Central.
The former Chelsea man made his name playing on the left wing, but has asked to be deployed centrally next season as a midfielder, second striker, or a no. 10. The coaches will analyse this during pre-season.
The reasons for this can be speculated to be three-fold.
One, and the most obvious one, is the competition on the wings at Madrid. The left-wing is Vinicius’ to lose now, while Rodrygo and Marco Asensio fight it out on the other side. Not to mention, Hazard is not particularly comfortable on the right-wing.
Secondly, at 31, after several career-threatening injuries, Hazard has lost quite a bit of pace. While his dribbling may still be astute, modern teams requite wingers to have the frightening speed to lead counter attacks.
Finally, Ancelotti needs to take special care of Karim Benzema next season. The Frenchman participated in four competitions during 2021/22, and with the national team during breaks, scoring a bucket-load of goals.
However, next season could be one of the most taxing one for players as they attempt to juggle club football with the World Cup.
Playing Hazard centrally, possibly as a false 9, means Benzema may get the much-needed rest he needs. With the Belgian up front, the team may lost a physical presence in the box, but his technical prowess means the flow of the attack will not be halted.
Either way, Hazard is not particularly unfamiliar with central roles. He was often deployed as a false nine by Antonio Conte, and he has also spent a fair bit of time as an attacking midfielder.
If he can stray away from his injurious recent past, there is little denying that Hazard still has what it takes to revive his glorious career.
Real Madrid News
Carlos Espi reacts after scoring match-winning goal in Elche 2-3 Real Madrid: ‘Starting like this is a dream’
Carlos Espi is becoming Real Madrid’s unlikely late-game specialist.
The 21-year-old once again came off the bench to rescue Jose Mourinho’s side, this time scoring the 91st-minute winner in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Elche.
It was his second goal for the club, and both have arrived at crucial moments.
Speaking to Real Madrid TV after the match, Espi could barely contain his excitement.
“I’m so happy—the happiest man in the world. I try to help the team any way I can, and every time I step onto the field, I give it my all and come away feeling great.
“Starting like this has been a dream. This isn’t over yet; we’re going to keep going because we have Sunday’s match coming up.
Carlos Espi winning goal in Elche vs Real Madrid game. Mbappe assist. pic.twitter.com/STJBV3ikQL
— Daily Foot Vibes (@dailyfootvibes) September 16, 2026
“This is a team effort. All of us who take the field make the most of our opportunities and give it our all,” he began.
Espi keeps making his minutes count
There is a growing pattern to Espi’s involvement. Even though he has yet to start a match for the first team, that has not stopped him from making an impact.
His first goal arrived against Espanyol in Real Madrid’s opening game, when another late strike helped secure the result.
Against Elche, he was required again after Real Madrid surrendered a two-goal lead and suddenly found themselves in serious trouble.
Espi eventually appeared at the back post in the 91st minute and finished the move to give Mourinho’s team all three points.
The youngster shared the credit with his teammates, but he also had special praise for the player who supplied his decisive moment.
That assist came from Kylian Mbappe, whose presence has made Espi’s route into the starting XI particularly difficult.
“It’s unbelievable—it’s crazy to watch him train and play. In this case, he set me up for the goal, and I’m very happy for him, too.”
First Madrid derby already has Espi excited
The timing of Espi’s latest contribution could hardly be more interesting, as Real Madrid now face Atletico Madrid on Sunday, giving the forward an opportunity to experience his first Madrid derby.
“I’m really looking forward to it—I’m so excited. It’s my first derby here, and we’re going to go for it.”
For Mourinho, Espi is a useful option when matches become chaotic. He may not yet be a regular starter, but his two appearances on the scoresheet have carried considerably more weight than the minutes he has played.
