Real Madrid News
Former Barcelona star heaps praise on Real Madrid veteran: “Closest thing to Federer playing tennis”
Former Barcelona and Argentina star and current president of Boca Juniors, Juan Roman Riquelme has said that Toni Kroos is for football what Roger Federer is for tennis.
Speaking in an interview with TNT Sports Argentina, the former Barcelona man talked not just about Kroos but also branded Dani Carvajal as one of the best full-backs in Real Madrid’s history.
“Toni Kroos is the closest thing to Federer playing tennis. He can play football and go home without taking a shower,” he said.
About Carvajal, the former Barcelona attacking midfielder said, “Dani Carvajal is going to be one of the best full-backs in the history of Real Madrid.”
Lastly, the Argentina legend also had some words reserved for Jude Bellingham as well, who has made quite an impact at Real Madrid since his record arrival from Borussia Dortmund in the summer.
“Jude Bellingham is very good,” said Riquelme.
Federer hung up his boots, but Kroos hasn’t
Kroos, who turned 34 last month, was not sure if he should continue playing for another year towards the end of the previous season. In all fairness, it is very rare in football for a player to decide if they should keep playing.
In Kroos’ case, his decision is based on how well he performs and how he feels. If he feels he is not enjoying it or can not meet the demands of the club, he will not continue.
Kroos explained recently that his situation is different from Luka Modric’s because they have different views. Modric wants to stay in football, but Kroos sees things differently. Three years ago, he bravely left the German national team, saying he wanted to focus on his club and personal life.
Now, he is thinking about his future again, and he is doing it with strength and determination that shows his professionalism. Money is not his main motivation, and he is not trying to extend his career just for the sake of it.
Whatever will be decided, will be decided by Kroos himself but of course, while aligning with the wishes of Real Madrid.
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.
