Real Madrid News
Ancelotti set to bench veterans and give youngsters a chance – report
With the pre-season preparations done and dusted, Real Madrid are set to kickstart their 2023/24 La Liga campaign on Saturday when they take on Athletic Club.
After missing out on the league title last season, it will be imperative for Carlo Ancelotti to start the season on a positive note and get an early headstart.
Ancelotti likely to bench veterans
For a season opener, one would usually expect a team like Real Madrid to showcase their full strength and field the strongest eleven.
However, according to Jose Luis Sanchez, Carlo Ancelotti is expected to bench the veteran players in the first game against Athletic Club.
In their stead, Ancelotti is likely to field a set of youngsters. This was strictly the Italian’s idea, which barely comes as a surprise either.
Real Madrid have spent heavily on young talents in recent years. The majority of them are starting to mature as well.
Combined with the new additions this summer, the season opener could be an excellent platform for them to showcase their potential.
What could be the changes?
On a practical note, not every youngster will start against Athletic Club on Saturday.
However, the majority of the changes could come in midfield. Jose Luis Sanchez points out that Toni Kroos and Luka Modric are destined to be benched.
This could pave the way for Aurelien Tchouameni and new signing Jude Bellingham to start in the middle of the park.
The Englishman has played in an advanced midfield role so far and could continue in that position against the Basque outfit.
Elsewhere, Fran Garcia might get a nod following Ferland Mendy’s recent injury. Eduardo Camavinga could be an alternative in the position, though the Frenchman is more likely to start in midfield.
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.
Cevat
August 9, 2023 at 12:25 pm
I want to start watching the youngsters. Mainly I’m very eager to watch ARDA GULER, what a talent.