Real Madrid News
La Liga clubs alert to Real Madrid starlet who has fallen out of prominence
Ever since Alvaro Arbeloa took over as the manager of Real Madrid earlier this season, the importance of the academy has shot up manifold.
The former player has turned to La Fabrica and the Castilla team to unravel and discover many young talents and even hand them continuity in the first team.
One player who started strong in a similar fashion but has now fallen back into oblivion is David Jimenez, and MARCA bring to light how his situation may have implications on his future.
Parties are alert
There is little to no doubt that Jimenez is valued highly by Arbeloa, especially given how he not only made his debut for the first team but also racked up four appearances with them recently.
With Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dani Carvajal just recovering from injuries, the manager handed the youngster golden chances that he took convincingly. Yet, he has fallen down the pecking order and many clubs are monitoring his queer situation.
The 22-year-old has not had a single minute since Real Madrid’s win over Valencia at Mestalla and has returned to the dynamics of the Castilla side once more. If he does not return to the first-team plans, a departure in June is on the cards.
Multiple La Liga teams have shown interest in the youngster and could well swoop him up in the summer despite him having a contract in place until 2027.
He has a valuation of €5 million, and Los Blancos will hope to make a sizeable sum from his departure if he has indeed made his decision.
With Carvajal leaning towards an uncertain future after this season and even a departure from the club on the cards, however, it is not ruled out that Jimenez is forced to stay by the club.
After all, there is a good chance he may be Arbeloa’s second-choice right-back after Trent next season, although he will likely have to compete with Jesus Fortea.
Real Madrid News
Vinicius addresses Real Madrid struggles, suspension and Bernabeu boos after win over Roma: ‘Defend players who stand out’
Vinicius Jr. has addressed the controversy surrounding his four-match La Liga suspension, his difficult performance against AS Roma and the criticism he has faced from Real Madrid fans.
The Brazilian was under scrutiny before Madrid’s 4-3 Champions League victory over Roma after learning that he would miss four league matches.
His evening then took another turn when he was substituted, before he spoke openly about his frustration and the reaction of fans at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Despite his disappointment, Vinicius insisted he would recover from the setback, while also questioning the disciplinary decision and calling for greater protection for attacking players.
Vinicius questions timing of Real Madrid suspension
Vinicius expressed his frustration at learning about the four-match ban shortly before the Roma match, arguing that the new disciplinary rules had not been properly explained to players.
“I think it was bad timing. They’ve had the whole day to announce the ban, and just as I arrived at the stadium, I was told I’d be out for four league matches.
“I don’t understand why. The truth is, the rule is new; they’ve never explained this to us.
“Someone from La Liga or some other organisation – I don’t know which one – always comes along to explain the new rules to us, but this, specifically this, we’ve been told nothing about.
“I’ve never committed an act of violence against another player. I’ve always kept a cool head; I get hit quite a lot and, in the end, the card always goes to me.”
The suspension will keep the forward out of Madrid’s next four La Liga fixtures, making his availability a significant issue for the team, especially for El Clasico.
Vinicius admits frustration after Roma performance
The Brazilian also accepted that his performance against Roma fell below his own expectations.
He was visibly unhappy after being substituted, but acknowledged the impact made by the players who replaced him.
“It’s normal; I was annoyed after being substituted because I always want to perform well and help the team. The substitutions changed the team.
“Endrick changed the dynamic and was the best on the pitch. And Carlos came on for just a few minutes but scored. I’m annoyed with myself for not being at my best.
“In the end, Vini always comes back, and I have no doubt that I’ll be back too.”
Endrick helped transform the contest, while Carlos Espi scored after coming off the bench as Madrid recovered from a 3-1 deficit to win 4-3.
Vinicius responds to Bernabeu boos and referee criticism
Vinicius also discussed the criticism he has received from Real Madrid supporters, admitting that the boos affect him while recognising the fans’ right to express their opinions.
“The boos certainly don’t help me, but people pay for their tickets. We play better when we have the fans behind us. Jude plays better, Mbappé plays better, I play better.
“I think it’s easier to boo me because I’ve been here longer and I’m one of the captains. I’ll be back.
“When I arrived as a youngster, many laughed at me, but in the end I’ve scored over 100 goals for Real Madrid.”
He then turned his attention to opposition supporters and refereeing decisions, arguing that players who attract attention because of their performances should receive greater protection.
“The fans have to boo me because I’m there to score goals against their teams, but I don’t understand the referees.
“I’ve seen a statistic that says I’ve been fouled 500 times, resulting in five red cards and I don’t know how many yellows – and the yellows are always for Vini.
“I don’t get it. We have to defend players who stand out, like Lamine at Barcelona or Julián at Atletico,” he concluded.
Source: Mundo Deportivo
