Real Madrid News
Barcelona legend’s advice to Alonso on handling Real Madrid ace – ‘Just like he does with Mbappe’
Vinicius Junior has become the talking point at Real Madrid lately, largely on account of friction growing between him and Xabi Alonso.
It is clear that the Brazilian international is not happy with his lack of game-time and Alonso’s tendency to bench him on certain matches.
Although the recent showing against Olympiacos helped Real Madrid cool tension between the players and the coach, the relationship between Vinicius and Alonso still remains tense.
Rivaldo’s advice to Xabi Alonso
In the wake of this controversy, Barcelona legend and former Brazilian superstar Rivaldo has a message for Xabi Alonso.
Speaking to Betfair (h/t SPORT), the former Ballon d’or winner has urged Alonso to play Vinicius more often, as much as the other star player in the team, Kylian Mbappe.
Rivaldo explained how it must be frustrating for a player like Vinicius to get benched week in week out.
“Vinicius is returning to being that decisive player he once was. I hope he continues talking with the coach to maintain this level.
“A player like him, let’s not forget he was named FIFA’s Best Player in the World in 2024, needs to be on the pitch at all times. Being substituted frequently is frustrating for any footballer of that caliber,” he said.
Rivaldo went on to advise Alonso to keep Vinicius on throughout the matches, on the occasions he starts a match.
“The coach should let him play, just like he does with Mbappe. Vinicius should also stay on the pitch, unless he’s having a really bad game,” he concluded.
Fortunately for Real Madrid, it appears Xabi Alonso is willing to change his stance a little, much thanks to the intervention from Florentino Perez.
So it will be interesting to see how things formulate from now, as Real Madrid gear up for a tough fixture list from now till the start of the Holiday season.
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.
