Real Madrid News
Bayern director fires shots at Kylian Mbappe over Ballon d’Or claims: ‘The best players are those who don’t need a campaign’
Kylian Mbappe’s statements on the Ballon d’Or were the trigger for a massive chain reaction and media war between Barcelona and Real Madrid.
The Frenchman opened up in an interview where he spoke about why he feels he should be the undisputed winner of the Ballon d’Or this year, and the Real Madrid administration quickly had his back with supporting statements.
Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, however, did not hold back as he soon opened up in an interview on why he should take home the accolade, and Barcelona followed suit by backing his claim.
Soon, the discussion around the Ballon d’Or settled around the two players, surprisingly taking many other contenders from other clubs out of the picture.
Bayern Munich administrator takes a dig at Mbappe
Max Eberl, the sporting director of Bayern Munich, was asked to give his two cents on the Ballon d’Or race and all the noise being made about it in the media via SPORT.
Having two strong contenders in Bayern Munich in Harry Kane and Michael Olise, Eberl did not mince his words and made it very clear that true winners did not require any form of external media validation, taking a swipe at Mbappe and Yamal.
“All that some do or say are just electoral campaigns. The best players are those who don’t need a campaign to win prizes,” he said, subtly pushing his players’ cases.
While it is true that Kane and Olise both had phenomenal years, they both won neither the World Cup or the UEFA Champions League. Moreover, Mbappe directly overshadowed Olise on the same team at the World Cup.
Why is Mbappe a strong candidate?
Kylian Mbappe was the top scorer in virtually every competition he played last year for both club and country, and his effectiveness in the final third was the biggest driving force for both Real Madrid and France.
There is no doubt that he was the best striker last season, and on an individual level, possibly the best player by some distance.
What works slightly against him, however, is that he did not win a single trophy at any level last season, taking his ‘team success’ tally to zero.
There have, however, been instances of players without trophies winning the Ballon d’Or in the past as well.
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.
