Real Madrid News
De la Fuente confirms Real Madrid starlet wants to play for Spain over Morocco – ‘The best news’
Spanish national team coach Luis de la Fuente has confirmed that Real Madrid starlet Thiago Pitarch wants to play for Spain despite interest from the Moroccan national team.
It must be noted that in recent weeks, the Moroccan national team had been actively exploring the possibility of convincing the young midfielder to represent them at the international level.
As such, Pitarch’s eligibility for Morocco comes from his family roots, with his grandfather originally from Al Hoceima.
However, despite that link and Morocco’s efforts, the player is fully committed to representing the Spain national team, a decision that has now been publicly confirmed by senior national team coach Luis de la Fuente.
Spain all the way
The 18-year-old’s trajectory within Spain’s setup continues to move in the right direction, as he has recently been included in the Under-19 squad for the upcoming Elite Round tournament.
Speaking about the situation, De la Fuente made it clear how important this commitment is for the national team’s future.
“The good news here is that Thiago wants to play for Spain,” he began, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.
“He wants to play for Spain, and he will play for the U-19 team, which he’s eligible for.
“They are playing a lot of matches right now: the European Championship, the U-20 World Cup qualifiers, or even with the U-21 team if the coach sees fit, or with the senior team when the time comes.”
The national team coach then confirms that Pitarch himself is committed to representing La Roja.
“The best news is that he is a young man committed to the Spanish national team, and that makes us very happy, as it does many others.
“I’d also like to take this opportunity to say that if someone decides otherwise and chooses to play for another country, we respect that, and I personally respect his decision and wish him the best.
“I want you to understand that the matter often goes beyond what the federations or the fans want; the player is free to make the decision he deems appropriate,” he concluded.
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.
