Real Madrid News
Dutch midfield prodigy tipped for Real Madrid move – ‘Will undoubtedly end up there’
Real Madrid’s long-term recruitment strategy has leaned towards identifying young talent early and Kees Smit seems to be gathering serious attention.
The AZ Alkmaar midfielder has been building a strong reputation in the Netherlands, and now his rise is starting to attract heavyweight interest across Europe, including from Real Madrid.
One man who knows exactly what it takes to succeed at the Bernabeu is Rafael van der Vaart, and he has no doubts about Smit’s potential.
Smit tipped for Real Madrid move
Speaking on Ziggo Sport’s Rondo programme (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Van der Vaart was asked about the young midfielder’s future and did not hold back in his assessment.
“He’s simply an incredibly good player.
“We’re often quick to call someone good, but in this case, he really is good.
“If he keeps improving like this, he’ll undoubtedly end up at Real Madrid or one of the world’s biggest clubs, which for me is Real Madrid.”
However, Van der Vaart also pointed out that talent alone is not enough at the top level.
The mental side of the game will be just as important for Smit as the spotlight grows around him. Explaining what the youngster still needs to develop, he added,
“To learn to handle all this, but I get the impression he’s still a down-to-earth person.
“He doesn’t let himself be pressured, at least I don’t see it that way. What’s more, he gives good interviews and comes across well,” he added.
What is Real Madrid’s position?
Within Real Madrid, Smit is already on the radar. The club view him as one of the most promising midfield prospects in Europe, and his progress is being monitored closely.
That said, he is not currently seen as an immediate priority, with other areas of the squad taking precedence heading into the summer, and that could open the door for competition.
Several Premier League clubs are also tracking Smit’s development, while Barcelona have reportedly kept tabs on him as well.
Interest is growing, and with that comes a rising price tag. Any deal for the Dutch midfielder is expected to require a significant investment, with reports suggesting a fee exceeding €50 million.
For now, Smit remains focused on his development at AZ Alkmaar. But if his trajectory continues, it may only be a matter of time before one of Europe’s giants decides to make a move.
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.
