Real Madrid News
Brazilian defender reflects on time at Real Madrid – ‘I didn’t believe it’
The onset of war between Ukraine and Russia triggered a series of developments in the world of football around 2022, mostly around the futures of players who played in the countries involved.
Several top European clubs saw the period as a golden one to sign top talents from Ukraine and Russia for steal deals, especially given how many players were desperate for a change in scenery.
Real Madrid also made a signing at the time under similar circumstances, and it was Vinicius Tobias from Shakhtar Donetsk.
The young defender, who had only recently made the move to Ukraine from Brazil, pounced on the chance to arrive on loan to join Real Madrid Castilla and played there from 2022 to 2024 and eventually left when the club decided against activating the purchase clause.
Tobias speaks on his Real Madrid move
Speaking to the media in a recent interview, the former Real Madrid player opened up on how he felt when he first found out about the club’s interest in him.
“Honestly, my reaction when I found out that he was going to sign for Real Madrid. I didn’t believe it,” he began.
“I had just left Shakhtar because of the war, so when I heard that Real Madrid Castilla wanted me on loan, I couldn’t believe it, because it was a very important step in my career,” he added.
Tobias then explained how bizarre the turn of events was at the time and how it felt suddenly moving to Real Madrid shortly after moving to Shakhtar Donetsk.
“I didn’t make my debut with Shakhtar and, suddenly, I found myself in Real Madrid Castilla.”
“The truth is that at first I was a little puzzled, but in the end I assimilated it after arriving and doing my first workouts. I was very happy and very satisfied about it,” he added.
Source: AS
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.
