Real Madrid News
Arbeloa’s one big dilemma ahead of Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid
Alvaro Arbeloa faces the toughest test of his senior managerial career so far tomorrow night when his Real Madrid side take on Bayern Munich in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinal tie.
The Merengues are trailing by a 2-1 deficit and will have to play the decisive reverse fixture away from home.
Ahead of the game, the manager has several selection dilemmas of which the most pronounced one is in midfield.
One specific confusion
As reported by Tiempo de Juego in a recent update, Arbeloa has three of his four midfield places locked in for the big night. One spot, however, continues to generate confusion.
Jude Bellingham and Thiago Pitarch are two players who are set to start on the night without doubt, with both players likely to feature in central midfield roles to progress the ball.
Aurelien Tchouameni’s unavailability sees Federico Valverde likely having to step into the defensive midfield role, especially with Eduardo Camavinga failing Arbeloa’s test at the weekend.
The fourth spot, however, remains contested between Arda Guler and Brahim Diaz, and Arbeloa is still unclear as to which of the players is better suited for the occasion.
While Guler has been more consistent this season, his record with Bellingham on the field is not as impressive, with both players often playing into each other’s territories. He will bring creativity, but at the cost of stability.
Brahim, on the other hand, did a great job at replacing Kylian Mbappe over the past two months and brings a more direct attacking threat.
Given the game situation, that is a valuable quality, except that it will come at the cost of some added midfield stability.
Which of the two Arbeloa decides to hand the start, thus, will be interesting to watch.
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.
