Real Madrid News
La Liga icon critical of Real Madrid duo after derby defeat: ‘Takes much more away than he gives’
Real Madrid have already lost two of their opening seven La Liga matches, against Real Betis and Atletico Madrid, leaving Jose Mourinho’s side under significant pressure in the early stages of the campaign.
After all, Barcelona have won all of their matches and have taken a six-point lead at the top of the table, whereas Los Blancos currently sit fourth in the standings.
The defeat to Atletico Madrid this past weekend, in particular, has drawn a lot of criticism towards the team, although Mourinho did not accept responsibility for the defeats in his post-match press conference, instead pointing to the referees.
Nevertheless, the team’s performances have consequently come under scrutiny, with former Real Madrid star and La Liga icon Santiago Canizares offering his assessment on COPE (via SPORT).
Strong criticism of Vinicius Jr. and Marc Cucurella
The former Real Madrid goalkeeper was also highly critical of Vinicius Jr.’s current performances.
The Brazilian is now one of the club captains, but Canizares believes his contribution has been insufficient.
“He’s a player who, at the moment, and especially with the captain’s armband, I think takes much more away than he gives,” he said.
Canizares also questioned the form of Real Madrid summer signing, Marc Cucurella, arguing that the left-back has not reproduced the level he showed with Spain.
“He isn’t the player we saw at the World Cup,” the former shot-stopper stated.
The former goalkeeper was nevertheless keen to distinguish Cucurella’s current form from his overall quality, saying:
“I’m not questioning him because his ability is beyond doubt, but he isn’t currently the player we saw at the World Cup, at the Euros or with the Spanish national team in general.”
Canizares backs Real Madrid’s complaints
Meanwhile, Canizares also addressed the refereeing decisions made by Ortiz Arias, particularly two challenges involving Real Madrid players that could have resulted in red cards, saying:
“Mourinho is right. Madrid supporters are right that the referee did not help them.”
However, the former goalkeeper identified what he considers to be a broader issue with the club’s sporting planning.
He pointed to the failed attempt to sign Rodri, the decision to spend more than €140 million on Yan Diomande and the renewal of Vinicius.
Canizares was particularly critical of the fee paid for Diomande, as he said: “He’s a good player, but they paid twice what he’s worth.”
He added that, in his view, the deal was connected to negotiations involving Vinicius and his representatives.
“It was a price that had to be paid for Vinícius’ representatives to say yes to the Vinícius offer,” he said.
Cañizares’ comments come as Real Madrid look to respond to their difficult start and address a number of concerns surrounding Mourinho’s squad once the international break is over.
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.
