Real Madrid News
Real Madrid defender frustrated by lack of game time but refuses to give up – report
Real Madrid defender Jesus Vallejo is unhappy with his current situation at the club, reports journalist Rodra (h/t RM4 Arab).
Despite a series of injuries to key players in defence, Vallejo has not been given any significant playing time. He wants to contribute to the team and feels he can make a difference on the pitch.
However, the coaching staff continues to believe that Vallejo is not at the level required to compete for a spot in the starting XI at Real Madrid.
No place for Vallejo
This lack of opportunities has been particularly frustrating for Vallejo, especially considering the recent injury crisis at the club.
With players like David Alaba, Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal, and Aurelien Tchouameni all sidelined, many would have expected Vallejo to step in. However, despite these absences, Raul Asensio has been chosen ahead of him in the pecking order.
Despite not being included in the starting lineup, Vallejo has remained a professional in every sense. His reaction to the lack of minutes has been to work even harder.
He has shown greater commitment by arriving first for training sessions at Valdebebas, even on his days off, and staying late after matches to continue working on his fitness and skills.
Not making the most of the opportunities
This season, Vallejo has only played a total of ten minutes, all of them during a match against Alaves on 24 September. It was his first appearance in an official match since 3 January, when he played against Cadiz.
His brief appearance against Alaves sparked some attention, as the Bernabéu crowd cheered for him, and Ancelotti changed the substitution plan to bring him on earlier than initially planned.
Madrid were leading 3-0 at the time, but the match ended with a closer 3-2 score after Ancelotti withdrew his starting defenders.
Difficult situation to be in
Vallejo’s attitude, professionalism, and commitment to the team have never been in question. Even though he is not part of the regular starting lineup, he continues to show his dedication to Real Madrid.
However, it seems there has been little communication between him and the coaching staff regarding his role.
Despite the ongoing shortage of central defenders, Vallejo has not been given a chance to play, and Ancelotti has preferred to use players from the youth team instead.
This situation leaves Vallejo in a difficult position, as he remains committed to the team but is increasingly frustrated by his lack of opportunities.
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.
