Real Madrid News
Ancelotti has privately requested the signing of two players from Real Madrid – report
Real Madrid have not had the best of starts to the year so far. If the surprising defeat to Villarreal in La Liga was not enough, the club succumbed to a 3-1 defeat at the hands of arch-rivals FC Barcelona in the Supercopa Espana final.
The Whites have also had a quiet January transfer window, even though the team is in a dire need of an overhaul, especially in certain areas of the pitch.
To that end, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has privately requested Real Madrid to sign a new fullback and a striker, even though he has maintained a stance of not signing any players during the ongoing January transfer window.
This has been reported by Diario AS (h/t Madrid Xtra), who further suggests that Ancelotti’s request has been rejected by the Real Madrid camp.
It appears the reigning Spanish champions are not on board with the idea of splashing the cash in January, knowing they may have a busy transfer window ahead of them in the summer.
Not to mention, Los Blancos may also have to tend to the contract situation of several star players, including Karim Benzema, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, all of who have their respective deals expiring at the end of the season.
Renewing the deals for the aforementioned players may require additional capital, which in turn, could cripple Real Madrid’s powers in the market.
However, the Spanish giants are expected to enter the market for a new fullback and a striker at the end of the season. The fullback area, in particular, is a major concern, with the club lacking a reliable alternative for right-back Dani Carvajal or even the left-back Ferland Mendy.
Mendy is even facing an uncertain future at Santiago Bernabeu, which may only accentuate the need for new fullbacks, as well as a striker that can prove to be a long-term replacement for the ageing Benzema.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
