Real Madrid News
Real Madrid close to agreement with veteran defender over a one-year renewal at lower salary
Real Madrid have massive transfer decisions to make in the defence next summer, especially with two centre-backs set to be out of contract and a new big-name signing expected as well.
While David Alaba is expected to leave in June, the situation with Antonio Rudiger appears to be different as he enters the final months of his contract.
Unlike with the Austrian, the club see real merit in the German defender’s performances, and El Mundo reveals that the club are set to reward his dedication and effort with a new contract.
The current plan with Rudiger
Real Madrid usually think twice before renewing with veterans, especially those who are near the fag end of their careers. While Rudiger is already 33, however, there is reason to see him as an exception.
The German international has proved that he can be a pivotal player on the field, something that Real Madrid appreciate in the ongoing difficult moment. Further, they value his dedication and passion towards the crest.
Rudiger burnt himself to the limit last season by playing through a knee injury for Real Madrid, and he even underwent surgery in the summer for the same.
While he missed a part of the beginning of the current season, he has again returned to being the best defender in the squad over the past month and a half.
The administration, thus, prioritise his renewal albeit not at the same wages that he was on before. Rudiger, however, is unaffected by the economics of the deal and just wants to stay and give his best for Real Madrid as long as he can.
As it stands, the two parties appear close to agreeing on a one-year renewal and an agreement is expected to be reached in the coming weeks.
After all, Real Madrid will be delighted to keep the four key cogs of their defence together in Rudiger, Eder Militao, Dean Huijsen and Raul Asencio.
Real Madrid News
Manchester United legend hails Real Madrid star after sublime display vs Croatia: ‘Could become one of the greatest of all time’
Jude Bellingham’s latest England performance has earned major praise from Manchester United and Premier League legend Roy Keane, who believes the Real Madrid midfielder has the potential to become one of the greatest players in football history.
Bellingham was at the centre of England’s impressive display against Croatia, scoring once and providing three assists.
His four goal involvements also made him the first England midfielder to reach that mark in a match since David Platt recorded the same tally against San Marino in February 1993.
Keane hails Bellingham’s all-round impact
Speaking about Real Madrid midfielder’s display for the national team, the former Manchester United player was quoted by MARCA as saying,
“Bellingham could go on to become one of the greatest players of all time.”
Keane was particularly impressed by the midfielder’s work without the ball, an aspect of Bellingham’s game that he feels can influence the rest of the team.
“His attitude with the England team of late… I’ve praised him for being fantastic on the ball, but what he does off the ball is what motivates all these players.
“If you have a player of that calibre in your team – someone who’s incredible on the ball, plays for Real Madrid and does brilliant things – but above all, his commitment off the ball – that will inspire all the other players,” continued Keane.
Bellingham’s performance was more than goals and assists
The statistics from the Croatia match show just how complete Bellingham’s performance was.
Alongside his goal and three assists, he created eight chances, with four classified as big chances.
He completed both of his attempted crosses, found his target with six of seven long balls and successfully completed four of six dribbles.
That creativity came with the physical presence that has become a major part of his game.
Real Madrid star dominates Croatia
Bellingham also won eight duels against Croatia and added an interception, two recoveries and two further defensive contributions.
He was also fouled three times as Croatia struggled to deal with his strength and ability to drive forward.
The performance offered another example of why Bellingham is increasingly influential for both Real Madrid and England.
His attacking output is obvious, but his willingness to press, defend, create, and carry the ball gives him an influence across almost every phase of the game.
