Real Madrid News
Barcelona superstar praises Real Madrid midfield legend ahead of El Clasico
Real Madrid are set to welcome arch-rivals FC Barcelona on Sunday, in what could be a crucial game in the context of the title race.
Heading into this important fixture, Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has offered his thoughts on his team’s chances. He has also notably praised some of the Real Madrid players including Luka Modric.
“Real Madrid have Modrić, how old is he? 35-36-37? It doesn’t matter, he still gives his all at his age and he’s one of the best midfielders in the world. I enjoy watching it,” said the Dutch midfielder.
He went on to praise other Real Madrid stars including Vinicius Junior and Karim Benzema, adding, “I think [Real] Madrid have a great team with great players. They have Vinnie and Benzema with very high abilities. For the fans, it will be a great match when they see Benzema against [Robert] Lewandowski.”
The Barcelona midfielder hailed Real Madrid’s excellent start to the season as well, even though it is Barça who are leading the league table at the moment.
“We haven’t seen analysis videos of Madrid yet, but we know they are a very strong team. I guess they haven’t lost a game this season, right?”
However, Frenkie de Jong backs Barcelona to perform well and possibly secure an important victory against their arch-rivals that could go a long way in instilling confidence in the camp.
“I hope we will win 4-0 again but it will be a difficult game,” said the Dutchman, who is hoping to earn a start against Real Madrid, especially in the aftermath of Sergio Busquets’ poor performance in midweek.
Source: LaLigaTV
The Santiago Bernabeu is ready for the first time in a fortnight as Real Madrid are set to host relegation-threatened Real Valladolid for gameweek 27 of La Liga. The gap between them and Barcelona was increased to 15 yesternight, and los blancos will be looking to cut it down to 12 to scarce the tiniest bit of hope of defending their league crown.
Carlo Ancelotti has opted to use a highly attacking starting lineup for the clash, with Karim Benzema spearheading the front-three. He is flanked by Marco Asensio on the right while Vinicius Jr retains his place on the left.
Rodrygo also gets the nod to start, probably as an attacking midfielder in what looks like a 4-2-3-1.
Aurelien Tchouameni has been given the nod in midfield, with Toni Kroos forming the double pivot alongside him.
With Antonio Rudiger, Ferland Mendy, and Nacho out injured, Eduardo Camavinga gets the license to start as the left-back, while Lucas Vazquez flanks the defence from the right. The usual suspects — Eder Militao and David Alaba — start in central defence.
Thibaut Courtois was a doubt heading into this game, but has been given the medical greenlight to take his place as the goalkeeper.
📋✅ Our squad for #RealMadridRealValladolid! pic.twitter.com/T9G5QY3P4D
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) April 2, 2023
Madrid XI: Courtois; Vazquez, Militao, Alaba, Camavinga; Tchouameni, Kroos; Asensio, Rodrygo, Vinicius; Benzema
