Real Madrid News
Official: Real Madrid starting lineup against Chelsea
Real Madrid have made the trip to London to lock horns against the defending champions of the coveted Champions League, Chelsea. The two teams met in the semi-finals last year, with the Blues trumping out the side from the Spanish capital.
For today, Carlo Ancelotti has made one surprising selection in the form of Federico Valverde, who is expected to start at the right-wing. He will be partnered by Karim Benzema and Vinicius Jr. in the attack who start centrally and on the left of the attack.
The golden trident of Luka Modric, Casemiro, and Toni Kroos starts in the midfield hoping to be in control against Thomas Tuchel’s side.
Finally, in defence, David Alaba takes his spot as one of the two central defenders, with Eder Militao anchoring the back-four alongside him. Dani Carvajal will be responsible for providing width from the right, while Ferland Mendy starts on the left.
No doubt about the man in goal as Thibaut Courois gears up for another tough night.
Official Real Marid XI: Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Mendy; Modric, Casemiro, Kroos; Valverde, Benzema, Vinicius
According to TeamTalk, Real Madrid have joined the growing list of clubs monitoring Gabriel Rajkovic, a 15-year-old winger whose rapid development at Valerenga has already attracted attention from several of Europe’s leading sides.
The Merengues are known for keeping an eye on exciting young talent across the globe and it seems that Rajkovic’s exploits in Norway, with the first team, have alerted them.
Real Madrid keeping tabs on Rajkovic
As per the report, Real Madrid are among a host of clubs closely following the progress of the young forward.
Rajkovic holds both Norwegian and Serbian nationality and has emerged as one of the most promising young players in Norway.
His development has not gone unnoticed, with Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund also understood to be monitoring him.
However, at this point, it is Arsenal and Chelsea, who are understood to be leading the charge for Rajkovic, having compiled a detailed dossier on the teenage prodigy after extensive scouting.
On top of that, the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have all watched Rajkovic in recent weeks.
Real Madrid could therefore face significant competition if they decide to step up their interest in a player who has already made an impression at senior level.
Making an impact at just 15
Rajkovic was handed a promotion to the Valerenga first-team squad in January earlier this year, when he was only 14 years old.
Following that, he signed a new contract with the club in March, when he turned 15, committing to the club until 2028.
Despite being only 15, the winger has already begun gaining experience in first-team football. In all, he has made 14 senior appearances for the Norwegian outfit, scoring three and assisting one goal.
Rajkovic has also represented Norway Under-16s, making two appearances and scoring once despite being younger than many of his teammates.
Those numbers become more impressive when his age and stage of development are taken into account.
Real Madrid have built a reputation for identifying young talent well before players reach their peak, and Rajkovic has now emerged as another name on their scouting radar.
But given the number of clubs in the race, signing the teenage wonderkid will not be easy.
