Real Madrid News
Carlo Ancelotti sets goals target for the season for Federico Valverde
Carlo Ancelotti has a much bigger role to play behind Federico Valverde’s resurgence than he receives. For some who was a subject of a club-record bid made by Liverpool, a return of three goals and two assists in limited appearances this season is something to budge an eye on.
More importantly, his recent UEFA Champions League heroics against RB Leipzig where he opened the scoring in a 2-0 win was sparingly commendable. That because he was deployed as a make-shift winger despite having Marco Asensio on the pitch, who by the way played in a midfield three.
It must be remembered that it was not so long ago that Valverde’s Real Madrid career was on a decline to an extent that he had lost his place to a 19-year-old Eduardo Camavinga.
Back then, lack of consistency and growing injury concerns had affected his performance big time. As it turns out, he put in the hard work and got himself in the thick of things, playing a big role in his side’s Champions League glory.
He was instrumental in Madrid’s comeback wins over Paris-Saint Germain, Chelsea and Manchester City before laying an assist to Vinicius Jr’s only goal in the final against Liverpool.
But if there was anything missing from his game, it was the lack of goals and Ancelotti could not believe that he ended the 2021-22 season with a solitary goal.
After the win over Leipzig, Ancelotti spoke candidly about the aforementioned and joked that if Valverde does not score more than 10 goals this season, he would rip up his coaching credentials.
“What seemed strange to me was that he just scored once last season. I told him that if he was not able to score more than 10 goals, I’d have to rip up my coach’s ID. He has a rock in his foot,” he was quoted by The Athletic.
For now, it’s understood that Ancelotti has big plans for Valverde. The only thing that remains to be seen is how he uses him throughout the season.
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.
Mesudin uzejrovic
September 16, 2022 at 12:18 am
Valverde is Real Madrid in real we don’t have super stars we r team and we winn and loose like team Halla Madrid