Real Madrid News
Former Real Madrid star criticises team after Girona draw: ‘Some players are unrecognisable’
Real Madrid failed to take three points in their third consecutive La Liga game last night as they scrambled to just a 1-1 draw against Girona at Estadi Montilivi.
The men in white were lacklustre at best, and far from inspired as they failed to make use of any of their attacking openings to score from open play. Their only goal, in fact, came from a penalty.
Needless to say, the result is only representative of the team’s form which has been poor over the past month and shows no signs of improving.
Former Real Madrid goalkeeper speaks
Speaking on COPE (h/t Mundo Deportivo), former Valencia and Real Madrid goalkeeper Santi Canizares lashed out at Los Blancos’ shortcomings as he saw them and emphasised how their entire style of play must change.
“You can’t just play at the feet all the time, you have to move around a lot more, you have to create more space, you have to make walls, you have to create first-touch play.”
He then explained why it is critical to have more variety and dynamism in attack, especially for a club of Real Madrid’s calibre.
“Because everyone knows how to defend. Defending is the easiest thing to do. You have to position yourself well, be alert, anticipate.”
“If everyone puts their mind to it, it’s the easiest thing to do. And that can’t be undone with a simple ‘I want it here at my feet’,” he added.
Lashing out an attack on his former team’s performances and a clear dip in quality, the former goalkeeper said,
“I think Real Madrid’s play in general is very poor and some players are unrecognisable at the moment.”
Finally, he named the one player he felt was seriously underperforming for Los Blancos, saying,
“The sadness and irrelevance with which Valverde plays is unrecognisable.”
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.
