Real Madrid News
Borja Mayoral talks Ancelotti, Vinicius, Rodrygo, Real Madrid exit
Real Madrid are set to lock horns with Shakhtar Donetsk later tonight, with the reigning European champions needing a win to move one step closer to securing the top spot in the group.
Later this weekend, Real Madrid take on Getafe, in what could be a must-win game ahead of El Clasico.
Speaking ahead of the contest, Borja Mayoral, who left Real Madrid for Getafe this past summer, heaped praise on some of the Merengues’ players, along with Carlo Ancelotti.
“He is very similar to Zidane. He is calm and close to the players and the dressing room respects him and conveys calmness in the team despite a lot of pressure,” said Mayoral (h/t Diario AS) when asked about the Real Madrid manager.
The former Real Madrid attacker, who has scored only once this season, went on to praise Vinicius Junior, calling him one of the best players in the world. He also hailed Rodrygo and Real Madrid’s excellent start to the campaign.
“Their improvement is incredible. Vinicius is among the best players in the world and Rodrygo is incredibly talented. In pre-season, I was amazed at their speed and the way they scored goals,” he added.
When asked about Real Madrid’s start to the season, he added: “The level they deliver is brutal and powerful in all situations. I look at the four defenders I’ll be facing who are strong, fast and handle space well.”
A product of the famed La Fabrica youth academy, Mayoral was a part of the Real Madrid senior side for six years, before being offloaded permanently to Getafe earlier in the summer. During his time at the club, he made 33 competitive appearances for the club.
“I had one year left and decided to disassociate myself from the club that had given me everything. I thought that for my career it was better to leave,” he said when asked about his decision to depart Real Madrid.
However, the attacker admits it will be difficult for him to celebrate at Santiago Bernabeu if he scores against his former club this weekend.
“If you score against Real Madrid, among your fans, it makes you want to celebrate, but I don’t know how I will feel at that moment,” he added.
Mayoral has played against Real Madrid three times in the past, scoring one goal. He ended up on the losing side on two of the occasions, including a 2-0 defeat with Getafe at the backend of last season, when he was on loan with the Azulones.
There is no secret that Real Madrid might consider a move for a new striker in the coming summer. With Karim Benzema slowly nearing the end of his career, the club are looking for a viable alternative ahead of the new season.
Carlo Ancelotti has been left impressed by the performances of Rodrygo in the centre forward position. But the club could still use the services of a more recognised option in the number nine position.
The Spanish giants are reportedly assessing La Liga for a potential low-cost option. But they are also open to looking through in other leagues, in their bid to add more depth in the attacking department.
To that end, Fabrizio Romano claims Real Madrid are eyeing a swoop for Roberto Firmino. The Liverpool star has become the latest player to be shortlisted by Los Blancos, with his current contract at Liverpool expiring at the end of the season.
Formerly of TSG Hoffenheim, Firmino has a stellar track record of performing in Europe. He has scored 110 goals in 361 competitive matches during his time at Liverpool, winning the Premier League and the Champions League title.
A centre forward by trade, Roberto is known for his tactical flexibility and the ability to shift into wider areas to build up the player.
It makes him an appealing target for Real Madrid, who would prefer a versatile striker in their ranks that can not only provide cover for Benzema but also the likes of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.
Real Madrid, though, are yet to hold any discussions with Roberto Firmino just yet. He has just been added to the list of targets and one would expect the Spanish giants to make a move once the season is over and the player becomes a free agent.
