Real Madrid News
Kylian Mbappe makes second push for Ballon d’Or: ‘My competitive soul would be hurt’
Real Madrid’s start to the new season has not been great, with the club suffering two defeats in La Liga and escaping several other scares before the first international break of the campaign.
Kylian Mbappe, however, has seemingly been paying more attention to the Ballon d’Or race than the team’s on-field performances, for his interviews on why he deserves to win the award have been far more passionate than his talks on the team’s struggles.
After a record-breaking season with Real Madrid last year, the player is one of the contenders to win the accolades. His failure to win a single title with club or country, however, works against him.
To fortify his case and improve his chances, he has been regularly talking about the Ballon d’Or in recent interviews, even proclaiming that he is the deserved winner for this year.
“I would vote for myself to win the Ballon d’Or,” he claimed strongly.
Mbappe’s second push for the Ballon d’Or
In a recent interview with RFI, the Real Madrid star once again heavily campaigned for the Ballon d’Or and made it clear why he felt he was a deserving candidate to win the individual accolade.
“I had a great year individually, and that’s the top criterion for the Ballon d’Or,” he began, pushing his individual numbers as the biggest factor in his favour.
Mbappe then stated how he was the top scorer in all major events in the season, further attempting to push his case for the award.
“I was the top scorer of all big competitions.”
Moving past hope and arriving at a stage of belief that he will be rewarded for his numbers, Mbappe then said,
“I’m feeling good about the Ballon d’Or this year, I think this could be the right year for me.
“I would be disappointed if I didn’t win it,” he added.
Finally, Mbappe explained what he meant by disappointment and why he would see it as a big defeat if he was not proclaimed the winner.
“I am a competitor, and when a competitor loses, he is sad.
“My competitive soul would be hurt!” he concluded.
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.
