Real Madrid News
Liverpool leading race to sign Real Madrid priority midfield target in 2023
Real Madrid have stepped up their chase for midfield reinforcements in recent years as the club slowly look to move on from ageing stars such as Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.
The reigning European giants roped in Aurelien Tchouameni this past summer to strengthen their ranks in the middle of the park. And it appears coach Carlo Ancelotti is keen on signing more players that can add further depth to the second line of press.
One of the players targeted by Los Blancos is Jude Bellingham. The Borussia Dortmund starlet has been identified as the ideal option for Real Madrid due to his leadership qualities and aggression that is well beyond his years.
At just 19, Bellingham has established himself as one of the most talented young players on the planet, while becoming a regular part of the English national team. With that, he has also become one of the most sought-after players in the market, with Real Madrid among the clubs interested in his services.
However, according to a fresh report from The Telegraph, Real Madrid are set to face a fierce battle in the race to sign Bellingham, as Liverpool are currently leading the chase to sign the Borussia Dortmund starlet.
The report adds that Liverpool are determined to sign a top-quality midfielder next summer, as Jurgen Klopp looks to move on from his own ageing set of stars including Jordan Henderson, James Milner and even Thiago Alcantara.
Bellingham has been identified as the desired option for Liverpool, who have been tracking the youngster’s progress for quite some time now.
Bellingham himself idolises former Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard and may fancy a move to Anfield next summer, in his bid to fill in the shoes of England great.
Real Madrid, though, are not expected to give up the pursuit of Bellingham easily, knowing the Englishman is a generational talent who is more than capable of becoming the next big thing in football. But whether or not they can pip Liverpool in the chase remains to be seen.
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.
