Real Madrid News
Real Madrid duo Militao and Rodrygo receive Spanish citizenship
After Vinicius Jr, Real Madrid duo Rodrygo Goes and Eder Militao have also received Spanish citizenship, freeing up all the non-EU spots in the first-team squad, reports Arancha Rodriguez.
Real Madrid entered the season with their three non-EU spots occupied by the key Brazilian trio of Vinicius, Rodrygo and Militao. It was a major hindrance in their pursuit of their compatriot Gabriel Jesus, who eventually left Manchester City for Arsenal in the summer.
However, last month, it was officially confirmed that Vinicius had obtained Spanish citizenship.
And now, both Rodrygo and Militao have reportedly been granted Spanish citizenship as well, which means that the Merengues have no non-EU player in the first-team squad.
This could open up the possibility of Vinicius Tobias getting a bump up to the senior team. The young right-back was not given a place in the senior setup due to the non-EU spots being fully occupied.
Now that they are fully open, the Castilla defender could stake a claim for one of those spots.
As for Rodrygo and Eder Militao, the pair have grown into vital players for Real Madrid. They are expected to pen new long-term contracts with Los Blancos, with all the details sorted and the official announcement the only formality pending.
The same holds for Vinicius as well, who has also signed a new long-term deal until 2027 and will be earning around €8 million per year, but an official announcement is yet to be made.
The Santiago Bernabeu is ready for the first time in a fortnight as Real Madrid are set to host relegation-threatened Real Valladolid for gameweek 27 of La Liga. The gap between them and Barcelona was increased to 15 yesternight, and los blancos will be looking to cut it down to 12 to scarce the tiniest bit of hope of defending their league crown.
Carlo Ancelotti has opted to use a highly attacking starting lineup for the clash, with Karim Benzema spearheading the front-three. He is flanked by Marco Asensio on the right while Vinicius Jr retains his place on the left.
Rodrygo also gets the nod to start, probably as an attacking midfielder in what looks like a 4-2-3-1.
Aurelien Tchouameni has been given the nod in midfield, with Toni Kroos forming the double pivot alongside him.
With Antonio Rudiger, Ferland Mendy, and Nacho out injured, Eduardo Camavinga gets the license to start as the left-back, while Lucas Vazquez flanks the defence from the right. The usual suspects — Eder Militao and David Alaba — start in central defence.
Thibaut Courtois was a doubt heading into this game, but has been given the medical greenlight to take his place as the goalkeeper.
📋✅ Our squad for #RealMadridRealValladolid! pic.twitter.com/T9G5QY3P4D
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) April 2, 2023
Madrid XI: Courtois; Vazquez, Militao, Alaba, Camavinga; Tchouameni, Kroos; Asensio, Rodrygo, Vinicius; Benzema
