Real Madrid News
Real Madrid identify three candidates to take over penalty duties for new season – report
Karim Benzema has got off to a fine start to life in Saudi Arabia. The former Real Madrid man has scored three goals in his first three games for the club and is enjoying life in Asia.
The story for Real Madrid has not been as sweet. The Merengues are still reeling from the loss of their lethal striker, with Carlo Ancelotti trying everything in his capacity to fill the void.
Benzema’s departure has left Los Blancos without a neat finisher and struggling in front of goal. The Frenchman was also the team’s primary penalty specialist during his final years at the club.
According to reports from Mario Cortegana, there are three candidates well-placed to take over the spot-kick duties.
Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo Goes would appear as the primary candidates to fill Benzema’s boots. Luka Modric is also a promising candidate considering the penalty duties.
An impeccable record
Last season Benzema took ten penalties for Los Blancos across all competitions and scored nine of those opportunities. The only occasion on which he missed was in the 1-1 draw to Osasuna when Sergio Herrera went the right way.
The season prior, the French striker put away a staggering 11 penalties, missing four in the process.
In fact, he has failed to score from the spot only eight times in his career while finding the back of the net 40 times.
Where do the contenders stand?
Rodrygo Goes was said to be the manager’s best choice to step up for spot-kicks earlier this summer. The youngster has already stepped up to the spot thrice for the Merengues and scored on all three occasions.
Modric, with years of experience under his belt, is more seasoned on that front. He has 22 penalty goals to his name across his illustrious career, missing just four in the process.
Vinicius Jr, surprisingly, has never taken a spot-kick for Los Blancos in a competitive encounter. He failed to score from the spot during the recent pre-season El Clasico against Barcelona, while he has stepped up twice for Brazil, scoring once and missing on the other occasion.
Given Benzema’s track record from the spot, Real Madrid will certainly miss their former captain. And it will be now up to Rodrygo, Vinicius, and Modric to ensure that the goals continue to flow from 12 yards out.
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
Pat Grey
August 5, 2023 at 9:00 pm
Vinicius is not a penalty taker, and never should be. He lacks the self confidence in front of goal. Only Modric and, to some extet, Rodrygo, should take penalties for Madrid. Leaving penalty kicks to Vinicius will be a disaster, neber mind how much the old coach loves Vinicius.