Real Madrid News
Former Real Madrid goalkeeper talks Vinicius, Asencio, Lunin, Courtois – ‘You have to stay’
Kiko Casilla, the former Real Madrid goalkeeper, recently shared his thoughts on several important topics surrounding the club.
This includes the potential move of Vinicius Jr. to Saudi Arabia, the performances of current goalkeepers Thibaut Courtois and Andriy Lunin, as well as the overall team’s form this season.
Regarding the ongoing speculation around a €300 million offer for Vinicius Jr., Casilla expressed his thoughts on what should happen if he were in the player’s or club’s position.
He believes that if a player is determined to leave, the club should respect their decision, as holding onto someone unwilling to stay could cause harm to the team.
“If I were the club, I would ask the player. If you have a player who wants to leave, you have to let him go.
“Otherwise, it would be detrimental to the team. I don’t know if the offer is real, but the first thing is to ask him if he wants to listen to the offer or not,” he told AS.
However, if he were Vinicius, he would choose to stay at Real Madrid. He stressed the importance of being part of a club like Madrid and believes that Vinicius still has many years to enjoy and make an impact at the club.
“Now, if I were a player, I would say no. I would stay. I respect the Arab league, but you are at Real Madrid, you are a flagship, young, and you still have many years to give joy. They could come to you again in five years with that offer. You have to stay.”
On Thibaut Courtois
When discussing Courtois, Casilla acknowledged the Belgian’s exceptional quality, ranking him among the best goalkeepers in the world.
However, he was quick to highlight the legacy of Iker Casillas, calling him a club legend due to his remarkable career at Madrid and the Spanish national team.
“Courtois is one of the best goalkeepers in the world. But you have to respect what Iker has been. Not only in the first team but also as a youth player. He is a legend. He also arrived at a difficult time for Madrid,” he said.
“They cannot be compared. Also, because they are different styles. Each one has had his time. Hopefully, Courtois can become a legend like Iker.”
Thoughts on Andriy Lunin
Casilla also praised Andriy Lunin for his efforts during Courtois and Kepa’s injuries, noting that Lunin had an outstanding season and played a crucial role in the team’s Champions League victory.
“Being a substitute for Real Madrid is not easy. When Courtois and Kepa were injured, he had a spectacular season. A large part of the Champions League that was won was thanks to him. He played crucial moments.”
Casilla believes that Lunin has earned the right to decide his future at the club, whether that involves staying and competing for the top spot or seeking a move for more playing time elsewhere.
“Lunin has earned the right to decide when to leave or when not. He has earned the right to leave or to hold on. Although he knows who he has in front of him.
“You have to choose. The best thing that could have happened to him is to earn that respect.”
Advice to Asencio
Regarding the young talent at the club, Casilla offered advice to players like Raul Asencio, urging them to enjoy their time at Real Madrid despite the pressures they face.
He stressed that they should embrace the experience and appreciate the opportunity they have, as playing for such a prestigious club is a privilege.
“He should enjoy it, he should not have that pressure. Although he will have it because they are playing for Real Madrid. He needs to enjoy that experience and value where they are.”
On Real Madrid’s performance
Finally, Casilla commented on Real Madrid’s form this season. While the team is currently leading La Liga, he acknowledged the struggles they have had in key matches, particularly against Barcelona.
“It’s just that they haven’t had their best games against Barcelona. Everything went well for Barça and nothing went well for Madrid. That Super Cup final was tough. It was a complicated moment.”
Casilla mentioned that while the team had a slow start to the season, they have regained their rhythm and now look more cohesive.
He also highlighted the growing connection between the team and new signing Kylian Mbappe, which he believes will help them in the long run.
“It’s true that at the beginning of the League, they had a bit of a slump, but they found their way back.
“Now everything is in its place and Mbappe already knows how the team plays and vice versa. There is more connection,” 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.
