Real Madrid News
French legend backs Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe for Ballon d’Or: ‘My favourite’
With the nominees for this year’s Ballon d’Or finally out, the discussion on who should win it is back as a mainstream media headline.
Real Madrid’s only representative in the World Cup-winning Spanish team was Marc Cucurella, and the defender does not have a strong case by any means.
Kylian Mbappe, however, has shot up as a strong contender to Harry Kane and Lamine Yamal simply for his numbers across all competitions last season. While he did not win the World Cup, he was the top scorer there too.
In fact, the player even publicly endorsed himself as the favourite for the award earlier this week in a headline-making interview.
Henry backs Mbappe
Earlier this week, French legend Thierry Henry was asked who his favourite for this year’s Ballon d’Or was, to which he explained his decision and picked Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe.
“If Leo Messi had won the World Cup, I think he would have won the Ballon d’Or. And Olise is not far off. But Kylian Mbappe is my favourite. People will tell me he hasn’t won anything,” he began.
Defending his idea on why Mbappe is the best candidate for the Ballon d’Or despite not winning trophies, the former Barcelona legend said,
“People can say Kylian went trophyless, but it has already happened in history.”
“People need to do their research. The Ballon d’Or has been won without any trophies,” he added.
Henry then heaped praise on the French forward for his numbers across all competitions and a consistency that very few other players can boast of.
“For me, it’s Kylian. When you see what he’s achieved individually. Top scorer in the Champions League, top scorer in La Liga, top scorer at the World Cup.”
“Michael Olise has the same thing in terms of assists. It’s just insane. I’ll go with Kylian, with Michael Olise not far behind,” he concluded.
Source: CBS Sports Golazo
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.
