Real Madrid News
Karim Benzema’s form pushes Erling Haaland away from Real Madrid
Real Madrid have the luxury of a fair bit of choice of transfers in the summer. In all likelihood, the club is keenly exploring the arrivals of Erling Haaland alongside long-time target Kylian Mbappe.
According to Diario AS, the Galacticos are keen on having one world-class acquisition aside from the obvious pursuit of Mbappe. The two names on top of the list are Aurelien Tchouameni and Haaland.
Tchouameni is reportedly all but done, while agreeing to terms with Haaland and Borussia Dortmund will also not be an issue, but after considering salaries and costs of acquisition, Madrid can only have one of the two this summer.
And the expendable at the moment seems to be the Norwegian striker, especially because Karim Benzema is in the form of his life.
The Frenchman has been instrumental for Los Blancos this season, with his latest exploits earning them a stunning comeback against Chelsea in the Champions League, ensuring progress to the semifinals of the competition.
Both Tchouameni and Haaland’s situations are similar in the sense that the players are looking to leave their respective clubs this summer, but an operation for Haaland will incur heavy additional fees for agent Mino Raiola and his father Alfie.
Real Madrid reportedly believe that the talismanic Benzema still has two years of football left in him at the very top level, which could mean that the Monaco midfielder would be a more sensible transfer.
Especially since Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, although important as ever, are at very advanced ages. Finding a long-term midfield presence to fill in for at least one of them is paramount.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid star Huijsen credits Mourinho for improved form in new season: ‘He supports me a lot’
Real Madrid will be looking to get back to winning ways in LaLiga as they take on Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.
The club are coming on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Real Betis last weekend but did secure a narrow win over Inter Milan in the midweek Champions League fixture.
Heading into this game, Dean Huijsen, who has been showing a lot of promise in these early parts of the season, spoke to the club’s official media about the match ahead and how Real Madrid have been coping with the pressure early on, among other things.
Huijsen on Rayo and his defensive duties
The young centre-back was fully aware of the threat posed by Rayo and praised the opposition.
“We know that Rayo is a good team, and it’s a tough team to face, and we must give our all as we do in all matches to secure the three points, that’s the only thing that matters, and for the Bernabeu to be with us and for us all to be united,” he said.
He also detailed the defensive demands placed on him by the coaching staff led by Jose Mourinho.
“Well, what every coach asks of you: ferocity, intercepting balls, and winning one-on-one duels. He supports me a lot, and I think this helps me greatly, and defending together as a team,” he said.
On the team’s preparations for the fixture, Huijsen offered an insight into their training routine.
“We’re working on some tactics related to the opponent. And well, after that it depends on the day; we might play a mini-match among ourselves or not,” he added.
Huijsen on Mourinho and his fine form
The Spaniard was quick to credit Mourinho, with whom he previously worked at Roma, for his development and current level.
“We’ve known each other for a while, even though we spent a relatively short time together in Rome. He gave me the opportunity to make the real leap into professional football, and I’ll always be grateful to him for that,” Huijsen said.
Reflecting on his own performances, the defender was in confident mood, once again pointing to the influence of his coach and teammates.
“I think I’m in good shape. Well, I think I’m delivering a good level, and I believe that’s thanks to the coach too, as he keeps track of me and takes great care of me.”
“Well, I’m also doing my very best, and I think the teammates are supporting me too, and this is the perfect equation,” he added.
Finally, Huijsen explained how he manages his recovery amid a congested schedule.
“There are a lot of matches, so we need to recover well and stay focused on football, then you have to sleep well. And yes, on the days after the match, I also take a cold shower and a hot shower to recover better,” he concluded.
