Real Madrid News
Karim Benzema picks six former Real Madrid players in his ideal all-time starting lineup
Real Madrid are a club recognized for harboring some of the biggest talents in world football, but some go on to create legacies that last far beyond their time at the club, leaving a mark on the history of the sport and cementing their status as football legends.
Karim Benzema is one such player, having achieved innumerable accolades in the Spanish capital.
After 14 trophy-laden years, Benzema departed to Saudi club Al-Ittihad last summer with the player deciding to spend the final years of his career in the Middle East.
Benzema chooses his ideal XI
Now, the Frenchman has revealed his dream lineup, (h/t RM4Arab) crafting an XI formidable enough to send a chill down the spine of any opposition team.
In attack, he went with a two-striker set-up, pairing himself with the legendary Ronaldo Nazario, who also created history at Real Madrid.
In midfield, the 35-year-old went with some big names, with Ballon d’Or winners Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldinho berthed as the advanced central midfielders.
Behind them, Benzema opted for the poise of Paul Pogba and the brilliance of Claude Makélélé in the base of midfield.
The back-line largely comprised of Real Madrid teammates he once shared a pitch with, naming a defense that would prove to be incredibly hard to penetrate.
Sergio Ramos and Pepe occupied the two center-back positions with the duo acknowledged as one of Real Madrid’s greatest CB pairings.
The full-back positions ooze similar quality, as Benzema elects two of Brazil’s greatest players. Marcelo takes ownership of the left-back spot, while Barcelona legend Dani Alves is berthed on the right.
Finally, guarding the sticks, Benzema goes for Manuel Neuer, who has cemented his status as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time.
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.
