Real Madrid News
Brazil coach positive about Real Madrid forward winning Ballon d’Or
Brazil national team head coach Dorival Junior believes that Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. should win the Ballon d’Or this season.
He mentioned that it would be a huge surprise if Vinicius does not win this prestigious award.
Dorival explained that among all the players who participated in the European Championship and Copa América, no one had a more consistent and balanced year than Vinicius Jr.
Considering everything Vinicius has achieved over this period, Dorival finds it hard to imagine anyone else winning the Ballon d’Or.
“The campaign he had during this period is the one that is going to shorten that path,” said Dorival as quoted by AS.
“Of all the players involved in the two competitions (Euro and Copa America), no one had a more balanced year than Vini Jr.
“I think this election is already happening, if it hasn’t already happened,” he added.
How has Vinicius fared this season?
Even though Vinicius missed 13 games this season due to thigh and hamstring injuries, he has still been one of Real Madrid’s standout players.
He managed to score an impressive 23 goals and provided 11 assists across all competitions. In La Liga, the Brazilian international played 26 matches and had an average of scoring a goal every 125 minutes.
Dorival support for Vinicius Jr. is based on the player’s exceptional performance and contribution to his team throughout the season.
Despite the setbacks due to injuries, Vinicius continued to shine on the field, proving his talent and determination. His ability to score goals consistently and assist his teammates has made him one of the key players for Real Madrid.
“For everything he already accomplished throughout this period, it would be a big surprise if that [winning the Ballon d’Or] doesn’t happen,” added Dorival.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid hope captain will resume group training tomorrow and be ready for Villarreal
Real Madrid received a major boost in training today as Kylian Mbappe participated in the group session, indicating his readiness for the upcoming game against Villarreal.
The French superstar had returned from international duty with a knee injury, but seems to have left it behind and appears ready to start at the Santiago Bernabeu come Saturday.
What about Federico Valverde?
Now, according to AS, Federico Valverde was not part of the group training session today at Valdebebas. Instead, he was involved in an individual session away from his teammates.
However, Real Madrid hope that their club captain will be able to resume working with the rest of the squad on Thursday, putting him in the fray to return in time for Saturday’s clash against Villarreal.
Valverde is currently recovering from an ankle sprain that he sustained in Real Madrid’s 2-1 derby defeat against Atletico Madrid prior to the international break.
The Uruguayan midfielder was on the receiving end of a harsh tackle from Kang-In Lee, which left him injured, ruling him out of action for the national team.
The 28-year-old stayed behind in Madrid and has worked hard on his recovery, with things progressing in the right direction.
What now remains to be seen is whether he can jump back into group training session on Thursday, which would put him on the path to return to action against Villarreal.
A key player for Mourinho
So far this season, Valverde has emerged as a permanent fixture in the team under new manager Jose Mourinho.
The Real Madrid captain has started all of the team’s eight matches in all competitions this term, scoring and assisting one goal apiece.
His potential availability for Saturday’s clash against Villarreal will come as a major boost for Mourinho & co. Everything will depend on how things progress in tomorrow’s training session at Valdebebas.
With Ibrahima Konate also recovering from his knee sprain, Real Madrid have only three players sidelined currently: Raul Asencio, who recently underwent surgery, Rodrygo Goes, who is a long-term absentee, and Ferland Mendy, who has resumed work with the ball.
