Real Madrid News
Arsenal icon names two Real Madrid stars as his favourite players to watch
Robert Pires is widely regarded as a French football icon and one of Arsenal’s greatest-ever wingers. He has famously revealed that he once turned down a move to Real Madrid in favour of joining the Gunners.
Despite this, Pires’ admiration for the current Real Madrid squad is evident, as he holds several of their players in high esteem.
Pires’ favourite footballers to watch
When asked to name his favourite players, Robert Pires replied (h/t Madrid Zone), “Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr., Rodri.”
All three are in contention to win the Ballon d’Or this year. Both Bellingham and Vinicius staked their claim as frontrunners following an exceptional campaign with Real Madrid, which saw them win the La Liga and UEFA Champions League.
However, when asked to name his pick for the Ballon d’Or, Pires did not include Jude Bellingham. Instead, he highlighted “Vinicius Jr. or Rodri” as deserving candidates.
Vinicius’ exploits in Real Madrid’s historic campaign were crucial, while Rodri led Manchester City to another Premier League title before winning the Euro 2024 for Spain.
Holding Real Madrid midfielders in high regard
Aurilien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga have established themselves as young midfielders with bright futures ahead.
Both players are seen as instrumental figures in the Merengues‘ midfield, and Pires believes the pair warrant being starters for their national team.
Following France’s pain-staking exit in the most recent Euro campaign, the Arsenal legend looks forward to seeing Tchouameni and Camavinga feature in Les Bleus’ midfield in the upcoming World Cup.
“Who should start for France in midfield in the 2026 World Cup? I think Tchouaméni and Camavinga,” he said.
Pires accumulated 79 caps for France between 1996 and 2004, and played a key role in their triumphs at the 1998 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2000.
As such, his desire to see Real Madrid’s dynamic midfield partnership in the upcoming world is a testament to their talents.
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.
