Real Madrid News
Liverpool superstar tempted by Real Madrid, friendship with Bellingham could be a key factor
For players around the world, Real Madrid stands as the pinnacle of aspiration. Continually winning trophies and harbouring the very best players make the club a hub of excellence.
Following their recent triumphs in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, key figures like Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham are now leading contenders for the prestigious Ballon d’Or award.
As such, the prospect of joining Real Madrid not only signifies a leap in career but allows players a chance to showcase their talents on the grandest of stages.
Liverpool ace allured by Real Madrid
Indeed, according to Miguel Delaney, Trent Alexander-Arnold is currently contemplating his future at Liverpool, evaluating how the team performs over the next year.
However, the allure of joining Real Madrid is becoming increasingly tempting for the talented right-back.
As per the information, his strong bond with Jude Bellingham is a driving force behind his desire to don the royal white jersey. Their friendship has grown significantly over time, both on and off the pitch.
After all, the pair spent a great deal of time together on the English national team and most recently played for England in the UEFA Euro 2024.
Alexander-Arnold has established himself as one of the best offensive right-backs in the world, leading Liverpool to multiple trophies in the past.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid have their eyes set on a big-money signing in the right-back position in the next two years.
Players like Achraf Hakimi and Reece James have caught their attention, but each potential signing comes with its own set of complexities.
Therefore the option of Alexander-Arnold could appeal to them. In fact, the Englishman has entered the last 12 months of his contract and he would be free to sign a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs from January.
The prospect of playing alongside Bellingham at Real Madrid could be a significant factor in his decision-making process.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. admits finishing problem after another frustrating night vs Elche: ‘Can’t miss that much’
Vinicius Jr.’s difficult start in front of goal continued against Elche, and the Real Madrid forward did not need anyone to tell him he had missed another chance to make the difference.
The Brazilian finished the night without a goal despite having chances to get on the scoresheet, while his teammates could only watch from the bench as opportunities went begging.
Jose Mourinho had already identified the problem before kick-off, bluntly pointing to the issue facing his forward, stating, “He’s missing the goal.”
Vini offered an equally frank assessment afterwards.
Rather than hide from another frustrating evening, he accepted responsibility on social media: “The goals will come back; I can’t miss that much…”
Two chances, no finish for Vinicius
Vinicius had two particularly clear openings against Elche, but neither produced the finish Real Madrid needed from their star forward.
The first arrived when he found himself one-on-one with the opposition goalkeeper.
Instead of finding the net, Vinicius caught the ball with the tip of his foot and sent his effort wide. Arda Guler was available during the move and called for the ball, but Vini backed himself to finish the chance.
He had another opportunity after the interval, this time following an excellent pass from Guler during a quick Real Madrid transition. Again, though, Vinicius could not find the target.
His evening ended in the 68th minute, with Mourinho deciding the Brazilian was tired and turning his attention towards Sunday’s Atletico Madrid derby.
Mourinho has a bigger decision to make
The numbers show why Vinicius’ finishing has become a talking point. He managed five shots against Elche, but only one was on target and none found the net.
After seven appearances this season, the Brazilian has scored just once, which is a striking return for a player Real Madrid rely upon to provide a major share of their attacking threat.
Ultimately, though, Real Madrid found another route to victory, with Arda Guler, Kylian Mbappe and Carlos Espi providing the goals in the 3-2 comeback.
