Real Madrid News
Liverpool leading race to sign Real Madrid priority midfield target in 2023
Real Madrid have stepped up their chase for midfield reinforcements in recent years as the club slowly look to move on from ageing stars such as Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.
The reigning European giants roped in Aurelien Tchouameni this past summer to strengthen their ranks in the middle of the park. And it appears coach Carlo Ancelotti is keen on signing more players that can add further depth to the second line of press.
One of the players targeted by Los Blancos is Jude Bellingham. The Borussia Dortmund starlet has been identified as the ideal option for Real Madrid due to his leadership qualities and aggression that is well beyond his years.
At just 19, Bellingham has established himself as one of the most talented young players on the planet, while becoming a regular part of the English national team. With that, he has also become one of the most sought-after players in the market, with Real Madrid among the clubs interested in his services.
However, according to a fresh report from The Telegraph, Real Madrid are set to face a fierce battle in the race to sign Bellingham, as Liverpool are currently leading the chase to sign the Borussia Dortmund starlet.
The report adds that Liverpool are determined to sign a top-quality midfielder next summer, as Jurgen Klopp looks to move on from his own ageing set of stars including Jordan Henderson, James Milner and even Thiago Alcantara.
Bellingham has been identified as the desired option for Liverpool, who have been tracking the youngster’s progress for quite some time now.
Bellingham himself idolises former Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard and may fancy a move to Anfield next summer, in his bid to fill in the shoes of England great.
Real Madrid, though, are not expected to give up the pursuit of Bellingham easily, knowing the Englishman is a generational talent who is more than capable of becoming the next big thing in football. But whether or not they can pip Liverpool in the chase remains to be seen.
Real Madrid News
Ancelotti talks Kroos, Modric, Bellingham, Vinicius ahead of Atletico vs Real Madrid
After escaping with a narrow 1-0 win against Union Berlin in the UEFA Champions League, Real Madrid face a tough task this weekend as they travel to the other side of the Spanish capital to face their old pals Atletico Madrid.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men have put in several solid offensive performances through the season so far, but have found it difficult to finish chances, often relying on Jude Bellingham to rescue the game in the last moments.
Their task will be much tougher against an Atletico side that is winless in two games and looking to get back up on the curb.
On them, Ancelotti commented, “Tomorrow’s game is an important one. Atletico Madrid area a strong rival. We can’t wait to play.”
Injury updates: Vinicius, Guler, Bellingham
Vinicius Jr has missed the last three games due to injury, but will be evaluated today to decide his participation tomorrow.
“He will be in the squad for tomorrow’s game,” Ancelotti updated the press. “We will decide tomorrow if he starts or not.”
He also said, “Vinicius has 100% recovered. Zero risks. He would not be in the squad for the game tomorrow, otherwise. We will see tomorrow.”
“He has not played for weeks, so he obviously lacks rhythm.”
As far as Arda Guler is concerned, the Turkish midfielder is yet to make his debut for the club, but is expected to join team training as early as Monday.
“Arda will start training with the team on Monday.”
Jude Bellingham left Madrid training early yesterday, which sounded some alarm bells at the club. However, Ancelotti confirmed that he will be playing tomorrow, and that there was no reason to panic.
“Jude Bellingham will play tomorrow.”
“I would not cry if he did not play. We have other players [laughs],” he joked.
Kroos, Modric, and rotations
Real Madrid have a star-studded squad, which means legendary midfielders such as Toni Kroos and Luka Modric are often left out of the starting lineup. The duo are reportedly unhappy with their role.
Ancelotti was asked about this, to which he replied, “It hurts to leave them on the bench. But only them, Valverde, Tchouameni, too. It’s always hard to leave a player on the bench.”
“They understand it because the competition is very high. I understand that a player comes out sad when he is substituted. But I do it to make the player more active.”
El Clasico vs Madrid Derby
Ancelotti was also asked to compare the Madrid derby to El Clasico, and which one he preferred more.
“There is no difference. We like to prepare for matches like these, to be champions, because there is a special tension. There is excitement and we want to win and be champions.”
“The Madrid derby is always a special game. A lot of quality between two rivals. Atletico played very well against Lazio,” he added.
Source: RMTV
