Real Madrid News
Elche star hails Real Madrid forward as ‘one of the best players in the world’
After stunning Manchester City 3-0 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash, Real Madrid will return to action later today when they take on Elche in La Liga.
On paper, the match up is an easy one for Los Blancos especially given how their opponents have not won in months.
Yet, Elche did manage to stun Real Madrid with a 2-2 scoreline earlier this season and it is clear that Los Blancos must be alert and clinical on the night.
Rafa Mir previews the game
Speaking to the media ahead of the game, Elche star Rafa Mir was asked about his thoughts on facing Real Madrid and especially Vinicius Jr. who has been subjected to racist abuse numerous times this season.
“Vinicius is one of the best players in the world. I think he has a very specific style of play, and it doesn’t necessarily appeal to everyone, but I believe Vinicius makes a difference and is very good.”
He was then asked how his team were preparing for the game ahead, especially given how it will be a very difficult match up.
“We’re not in our best form. We have to be ourselves, with our own identity and style of play, which is what got us here. We haven’t been in the relegation zone all season,” he began, admitting his team’s struggles.
Elaborating on how he did manage to take a win over Real Madrid last season, Mir said,
“Last year I was lucky enough to win at the Bernabeu with Valencia, in the last minute, with a decisive pass from me to Hugo Duro.”
He then drew from that experience and spoke on what Elche must do on the night if they are to hope for a surprise win.
“We need to put in a very complete performance, have self-confidence, and be very strong. Those are the keys to coming away with a positive result from there.”
Source: MARCA
Real Madrid youngster Endrick continues to attract interest from several clubs ahead of another potential loan move in the upcoming January transfer window.
The latest side considering a move for the Brazilian forward is Aston Villa.
Indeed, according to reports relayed by Bernabeu Digital, the Premier League club are interested in signing the Real Madrid striker on loan in January.
No minutes for Endrick
Endrick has had very limited opportunities under Jose Mourinho this season. Across Real Madrid’s nine matches in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, the Brazilian has played just four minutes, coming on in the 86th minute against Elche.
Such limited playing time has left the young forward struggling to gain the minutes and experience needed to develop his talent at Real Madrid.
As such, another loan move, like last January when he left for Olympique Lyon, could offer him a chance to play more regularly and continue his progression.
Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, have now emerged as an interested party to acquire the Brazilian international’s services on loan for the second half of the season.
AC Milan also interested in Endrick
Howver, Aston Villa are not the only club monitoring Endrick’s situation. AC Milan have also renewed their interest in the Brazilian forward.
The Rossoneri already held an interest in the 20-year-old forward during the summer transfer window and are knocking on the doors once again now.
In fact, some reports in Italy even go on to suggest that the youngster is ready to pounce on the opportunity to sign for the Serie A giants.
For now, however, there have been no concrete developments or formal approaches from any interested club.
Real Madrid are understood to be open to allowing Endrick to leave on loan, but they are not considering a permanent sale as they still have a lot of faith in the promising attacker whom they signed from Palmeiras.
With Aston Villa and AC Milan both interested, the coming months could prove important in determining where the young Brazilian will continue his development.
