Real Madrid News
Ceballos, Alaba looking forward to Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid: “Marked it in red”
After securing five back-to-back wins in La Liga, Real Madrid are set to face their biggest test of the season yet as they lock horns with cross-town rivals Atletico Madrid on Sunday night.
Speaking ahead of the game, Dani Ceballos has offered his thoughts, especially after a blistering start to the campaign.
The Real Madrid midfielder thinks it is going to be a competitive encounter between the two, stating: “It is a special match and it is very competitive. Madrid’s dressing room has marked it in red since the match schedule appeared.
“We have to play this match like any other and we have to go out and win from the start, as we did in the previous matches,” he added.
When asked about Real Madrid’s start to the season, Ceballos hailed the team’s strength in depth, especially in the midfield department.
“We are not just 11 players, but we have a very big team. Players come and go and we are all here to prove our quality and help the club. This is one of Real Madrid’s secrets, we have 23 players. When the season is long and there are many matches, we need everyone,” he said.
Ceballos went on to explain Real Madrid’s midfield situation while adding the fact that he feels extremely confident in the team.
“We have a very good midfield with players with a lot of experience, like Modric and Kroos, as well as young players with a lot of desire and enthusiasm like Valverde, Camavinga, Tchouameni and me.
“We are all a very competitive midfield and it’s clear that this year the coach tried different players and many different solutions and we gave the performance that everyone expects and we will continue.”
Ceballos’ thoughts on the derby were echoed by David Alaba, with the Austrian stating: “I’m sure it’ll be a special and tough game. Atlético Madrid are a great side, particularly at home.”
“The derby is always a special game. It’s a meeting between two great teams and we can’t wait for kick-off. I want to really thank the fans. Tomorrow it’s about going all out,“ he added.
The former Bayern Munich superstar also hailed Real Madrid’s good start to the season, adding: “We’ve started the season strongly and have to keep working hard to achieve many things. We’re not looking back and are only looking forward.”
“We’ve got some great facilities at Real Madrid City and work really hard, both on the pitch and in the gym. That explains why we’re all in such good shape.
“We’re working together as a team, from the forwards to the defenders. We did really well last season and have to work just as hard as we did last season,” he said.
Real Madrid are looking towards a heavy splurge in the coming summer transfer window. After all, they do not even have another option given the sheer number of player departures already finalized.
Los Blancos have lost the services of Karim Benzema, Marco Asensio, Mariano Diaz, and Eden Hazard over the past week. While three of the four players predominantly featured on the bench, their presence in the squad gave Carlo Ancelotti’s side much-needed depth and a cushion of sorts.
The forward unit is, thus, the most prioritized department ahead of the transfer window. However, pieces are beginning to fall apart on other fronts and could potentially put the club in a difficult situation.
According to reports from Gianluca Di Marzio, Juventus are eyeing Lucas Vazquez and hope to sign him in the coming month. Contacts between the two parties have begun and the transfer fee discussed appears to be around the €6 million to €8 million ballpark given that he has just one year left on his contract.
The player, for his part, is willing to sign for the Italian giants given his relative lack of minutes at the Santiago Bernabeu. At 31 years of age, he understandably does not want to play a second-fiddle role.
Vasquez played part in 23 of Real Madrid’s 38 La Liga games last season, starting only on 12 occasions. Even in his few appearances, he averaged a mere 50 minutes per game.
The veteran completed the season with four goals and an assist to his name. Further, he averaged five defensive actions and a key pass in every game and feels hard done by his limited role.
Vazquez’s departure would place the club in a tricky situation as it would leave Real Madrid with only Dani Carvajal as a natural right-back option. Nacho Fernandez could, in theory, serve as the backup but a new signing for the position cannot be ruled out.
