Real Madrid News
Liverpool superstar reveals why he voted for Vinicius as The Best – ‘He’s getting better every year’
The year 2024 was extremely special for Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. on multiple levels.
The youngster may have had a low period when he was snubbed of the Ballon d’Or in the nth minute, but the rest of the year was fairly remarkable.
The Brazilian, after all, cemented himself as one of the best players on the planet and steered Real Madrid to the UEFA Champions League, and La Liga and even helped the team stay afloat amid their poor start to the new season.
Salah praises Vinicius
Speaking to the media recently, Liverpool star Mohamed Salah was asked why he voted for Vinicius as his best player for FIFA’s Best Awards, and the Premier League star was unfazed in his reply.
“Vinicius Junior is a very good player, that’s why he’s getting better every year and I hope he continues. I voted for him because he deserves it,” said the Egyptian (h/t RM4 Arab)
Part of the reason why the Liverpool star was asked the question was down to his decision to pick the La Liga star over the Premier League’s Rodri who took home the Ballon d’Or.
Despite not being named the winner of the award by France Football, Vinicius was deservedly named FIFA’s Best Mens Player at the end of last year before being named the winner of the equivalent award by Globe Soccer Awards as well.
Having missed the team’s last game through suspension, the Brazilian will return to the field later tonight as Real Madrid take on Valencia in their first game of 2025.
Given how recent games have gone for him at Mestalla and the ruckus in the stands, he will look to shut his haters with another game-defining performance.
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.
