Real Madrid News
Real Madrid eyeing 21-year-old Chelsea starlet as alternative for Alphonso Davies – report
Even though the transfer market has just come to an end, Real Madrid have continued to keep tabs on several players, as part of their plans to reinforce the squad.
One of the key areas that must be addressed is the left-back position, with Real Madrid interested in Bayern Munich speedster Alphonso Davies.
However, there is a lot of uncertainty on whether or not Davies will come to Santiago Bernabeu. Not to mention, the Bayern Munich star is likely to cost a fortune.
Real Madrid looking at Ian Maatsen as alternative
A recent report from Fichajes has offered an update on Real Madrid’s pursuit of a new left-back.
With Bayern Munich hoping to extend Davies’ contract, the Spanish giants have identified Chelsea youngster Ian Maatsen as a potential alternative.
The 21-year-old Chelsea starlet is regarded highly at Real Madrid due to his technical prowess and the ability to play out the ball from defensive areas. He can also play as a left-back or a left-sided centre-back.
Maatsen is coming on the back of a good loan spell at Burnley last season, where the youngster racked up six goals and four assists, helping the Clarets secure promotion to the Premier League.
A replacement for Ferland Mendy?
Everything suggests Real Madrid are preparing for the departure of Ferland Mendy, with the Frenchman likely to leave the club at the end of the season as frustrations grow over his fitness problems.
Real Madrid want to sign Davies as a direct replacement, but Maatsen could prove to be an ideal cost-effective alternative.
Maatsen’s current contract at Chelsea expires at the end of the season, meaning the Dutchman could join Real Madrid on a free transfer next summer.
Although Maatsen still requires some experience at the highest level, the youngster could prove to be an excellent bit of investment for Real Madrid as they look to find a long-term fix in the left-back position.
Real Madrid News
Bellingham on his special assist in Girona 0-3 Real Madrid: “Been watching Luka every day”
Real Madrid usurped the top spot in the La Liga standings from arch-rivals FC Barcelona as they defeated Girona 3-0 away at Estadi Montilivi.
It was a fine performance from Carlo Ancelotti’s men against Michel’s side, with the returning Jude Bellingham leading the way for his team.
After being benched against Las Palmas in midweek, the England international returned to the starting XI today and turned in yet another Man of the Match display for Real Madrid.
It all started with Joselu opening the scoring just 15 minutes into the game, with Bellingham assisting the goal with a special, outside-of-the-boot pass from the left side, bringing back memories of Luka Modric doing something similar a few years ago.
Talking about that special pass, Bellingham said: “I’ve been watching Luka every day for months. I just want to be creative. It took the pressure off us at the start.”
On the match and the result, the 20-year-old stated that it was a good day across the board for Real Madrid, as he said: “It was an important win. They were doing very well. We made a statement of intent to La Liga. Three goals, a clean sheet….”
It has been a truly remarkable start to life at Real Madrid for Bellingham and expressing how he feels to play for the Merengues, he exclaimed:
“I feel very good. I have freedom of movement and I’m enjoying football. Whenever I put on this shirt I always try to do my best.”
Apart from assisting Joselu’s opener, Bellingham also got his name on the scoresheet in the second period. Talking about his goal, the wonderkid said:
“It wasn’t a very good finish. I could have scored some more, but the important thing is the victory.”
The strike meant that Bellingham now has seven goals and two assists across all competitions for Real Madrid. Reflecting on his brilliant start, he said:
“It’s a good start, not bad. I would like to continue on this path and I won’t always score or assist, but I will always give my best.”
Bellingham’s celebration has been a huge hit, with kids in school, players from other clubs, and many others mimicking it. When asked how his special celebration originated, he replied:
“I don’t know where I first celebrated. I think it was with Birmingham. It’s an inspiration to see kids doing it in schools. It’s a wonderful thing.”
Source: AS
