Real Madrid News
‘Getting faster everyday’ – Villarreal defender relishes ‘beautiful’ battles with Real Madrid star
Villarreal defender Juan Foyth has shared his thoughts ahead of his team’s upcoming clash against Real Madrid, expressing his enthusiasm for facing top-level opponents, particularly Vinicius Jr.
When asked about his views on Real Madrid, Foyth acknowledged their incredible competitiveness and high-intensity playing style.
He pointed out that he recently watched their match against Atlético Madrid and was impressed by how they maintained their performance levels despite playing 120 minutes.
“I saw them in the match against Atletico, and as always, they competed at a very high level. They’re fast-paced players.
“They’re players accustomed to a very high competitive rhythm. Despite those 120 minutes, they’re used to playing three times a week and will be fine,” he told AS.
Facing Vinicius Jr.
One of the key aspects of the match will be Foyth’s potential duels with Vinicius Jr. The defender recalled his past battles with the Brazilian forward, describing them as enjoyable encounters.
“My duels with Vinicius were beautiful. I say “were” because I can’t remember the last time we faced each other. But they were indeed matches in which I enjoyed competing with a player like him.”
Foyth observed that the Real Madrid winger is continuously improving, becoming even faster and more dangerous with each game.
Despite the challenges of defending against him, the Villarreal defender sees these matchups as an exciting part of football.
“The truth is, I see him getting a little faster every day, and he seems more dangerous every time. But these duels and these matches are a lot of fun.
“We know we’re going to struggle on the pitch since they’re all top-level players, but I think we should enjoy playing against these players and these opponents.”
Facing Mbappe
With the possibility of also facing Kylian Mbappe, Foyth recognised the level of talent he will be up against. He described both Vinicius and Mbappe as players who are almost unstoppable due to their speed and skill.
“Both Vinicius and Mbappé are flying. As I said, it’s a special and very enjoyable match for me.
“I watched them play in the Champions League the other day and thought how wonderful it is to be able to play against those teams, against those players, in those games.”
While he is aware that dealing with Vinicius or Mbappe will not be easy, Foyth remains focused on making the most of the experience.
He expects to struggle at times but believes that playing against world-class players is what makes football exciting.
“It’s something I enjoy. I’m going to enjoy the match too. I know I might be struggling a lot with Vinicius or Mbappe, but I’m going to enjoy it just the same,” he added.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid hope captain will resume group training tomorrow and be ready for Villarreal
Real Madrid received a major boost in training today as Kylian Mbappe participated in the group session, indicating his readiness for the upcoming game against Villarreal.
The French superstar had returned from international duty with a knee injury, but seems to have left it behind and appears ready to start at the Santiago Bernabeu come Saturday.
What about Federico Valverde?
Now, according to AS, Federico Valverde was not part of the group training session today at Valdebebas. Instead, he was involved in an individual session away from his teammates.
However, Real Madrid hope that their club captain will be able to resume working with the rest of the squad on Thursday, putting him in the fray to return in time for Saturday’s clash against Villarreal.
Valverde is currently recovering from an ankle sprain that he sustained in Real Madrid’s 2-1 derby defeat against Atletico Madrid prior to the international break.
The Uruguayan midfielder was on the receiving end of a harsh tackle from Kang-In Lee, which left him injured, ruling him out of action for the national team.
The 28-year-old stayed behind in Madrid and has worked hard on his recovery, with things progressing in the right direction.
What now remains to be seen is whether he can jump back into group training session on Thursday, which would put him on the path to return to action against Villarreal.
A key player for Mourinho
So far this season, Valverde has emerged as a permanent fixture in the team under new manager Jose Mourinho.
The Real Madrid captain has started all of the team’s eight matches in all competitions this term, scoring and assisting one goal apiece.
His potential availability for Saturday’s clash against Villarreal will come as a major boost for Mourinho & co. Everything will depend on how things progress in tomorrow’s training session at Valdebebas.
With Ibrahima Konate also recovering from his knee sprain, Real Madrid have only three players sidelined currently: Raul Asencio, who recently underwent surgery, Rodrygo Goes, who is a long-term absentee, and Ferland Mendy, who has resumed work with the ball.
