Real Madrid News
Arsenal legend backs Kylian Mbappe to succeed at Real Madrid
With less than a couple of weeks left before the new season kicks off, there is much excitement in the Real Madrid camp over Kylian Mbappe, as he gears up for his professional debut for his new club.
The French international joined Real Madrid earlier this summer on a free transfer, marking a significant moment in the club’s recent transfer history.
As Mbappe gears up for his maiden season in La Liga, he has received support from football legend and compatriot Robert Pires.
Pires backs Mbappe at Real Madrid
In a recent interview with MARCA, Pires expressed his delight at Mbappe’s move to Real Madrid this summer and backed him to succeed at Santiago Bernabeu.
“I am very happy that Mbappé signed for Madrid. We all know that it is the biggest club in the world, they know how to win titles. More and more great players are going to play there because everyone wants to sign for Real Madrid,” Pires said.
Formerly of Arsenal and Villarreal, Pires was a great winger of his time, featuring in almost 200 Premier League matches while representing Les Bleus 79 times.
Talking about Mbappe’s prospects at Real Madrid, Pires highlighted that it is a great opportunity for the former AS Monaco starlet to win trophies.
“For Kylian, it’s a great opportunity to reach another level. He played for Monaco, PSG, and France, but Real Madrid is another level above. Let’s see what he achieves in the white shirt, I hope it goes very well and that he lifts many titles,” he said.
Pires was also asked about Mbappe’s absence in the ongoing Paris Olympics, which was a disappointment to many Frenchmen.
Pires, though, backed Real Madrid and expressed his respect for Florentino Perez. He went on to add that Mbappe could be bigger for Real Madrid than the French national team.
“He knows the people here well, but I think that in the end, it is Madrid that is in charge. It is Florentino Perez who is in charge. I think that we have to respect the president’s word,” he said.
“What this means is that now Mbappé is more important for Madrid than for the French national team and for playing in the Olympic Games. I wanted to see him play under Thierry Henry. But, as always, we have to respect Madrid’s word,” he added.
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.
