Real Madrid News
Benzema highlights the main problem at Real Madrid – ‘They don’t play as much as a team’
Speaking on an Instagram live session with French rapper Rohff earlier this week, Real Madrid legend Karim Benzema highlighted the problems that his former club is facing this season, comparing them with reigning European champions PSG.
It has been a season to forget for Los Blancos, as they are set to finish another campaign without a major trophy.
PSG, meanwhile, are on track to win the Ligue 1 title and have also made it to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League.
Lack of cohesion the issue: Benzema
During the conversation, Benzema praised the side managed by Luis Enrique and admitted that Real Madrid face a greater challenge due to the number of star players in their squad and the lack of cohesion between them.
“At Real Madrid it’s more complicated because they don’t play as much as a team; today the group is suffering from that lack of cohesion,” Benzema stated, as quoted by MARCA.
Comparing this to PSG, he added: “At PSG, you field the starters and they play, but
when the coach makes changes in the 60th or 70th minute, those who come on contribute even more than those who started.”
According to the striker, the key to Parisian success lies in the fact that all the players, regardless of their role, “know exactly what they have to do.”
For Benzema, the key to PSG’s current dominance is not individual names but their collective structure.
“The most well-known at PSG is Luis Enrique, but they are a real team. PSG are not a team of stars, except Ousmane Dembele, the Ballon d’Or winner”, he said.
According to the French forward, this cohesion is what makes the difference at the highest level: “Whoever you put up front, they all work together and the substitutes perform the same. That is why they are so good.”
This has been an issue for Real Madrid this season, with star players like Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. accused of not doing enough off the ball when the team is not in possession.
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.
