Real Madrid News
Paul Pogba tips Real Madrid superstar for future Ballon d’Or – ‘Just a matter of timing’
Real Madrid’s poor results across all competitions has led to serious criticism being directed towards players. Leaders like Kylian Mbappe, needless to say, are the ones who are facing the bigger part of the burden.
Given his numbers this season, it is almost appalling that the Frenchman is even being discussed as one of the problems at the club. Even Florentino Perez, at this point, finds it difficult to comprehend.
Yet, there is some truth to the fact that the team have performed better as a unit in his absence – a situation that brings up a need to identify better tactics to incorporate the player as well while also promoting the overall cohesion.
Pogba speaks on Mbappe
Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand podcast (h/t Mundo Deportivo) recently, Paul Pogba defended Mbappe strongly and spoke on the special numbers he has been putting up at Real Madrid.
“[He has] scored more goals than Cristiano Ronaldo and Ronaldo Nazario in their first season at Real Madrid. It can only go further, I’m not surprised,” he said.
He then went on to admit that he believed the Ballon d’Or was only a matter of time for Mbappe given how he is putting up monstrous goalscoring numbers with consistency.
“Is there more to come from Kylian Mbappe? Winning the Ballon d’Or is just a matter of timing. For me, he has been the best player all season. Now he even scores more goals than before.”
Pogba then reminisced about his connection with Mbappe in the national team when they played together, saying,
“We understood each other. Sometimes I hit the ball wrong and he still arrives, he is so fast. I know the races he does,” he said.
Finally, the AS Monaco player was asked about his relationship with Jose Mourinho and what he made of the manager, especially given how he is linked with Real Madrid once again.
“I don’t want to be rude, I have no problem with any coach. I always respect them, always. They tell me what to do. They are the bosses. That’s the truth. They decide whether you play or not.”
“He is a very funny guy. It’s very fun. The truth is that it is very special. And, on time, I think injuries created distancing,” he added.
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.
