Real Madrid News
Real Madrid legend hails Vinicius Jr, Camavinga: “Every team would want a player like him”
Speaking ahead of Real Madrid’s UEFA Champions League clash against Manchester City, former midfielder Claude Makelele has hailed Vinicius Jr and Eduardo Camavinga, praising the duo as fantastic talents.
Makelele, a former Real Madrid midfielder and a club legend, was in awe of Vinicius Jr and his talents, stating that any club in the world would love to have a player like him in their ranks.
“He is a fantastic player. Every team in the world would want to have a player like him. He’s amazing: he dribbles, he assists, he scores. He’s quick,” he said, as quoted by MARCA.
The former Chelsea and Real Madrid icon also addressed the racial abuse that the Brazilian faces in La Liga, claiming that the club and the Football Federation need to support the 22-year-old.
“They are a small group of people who take cover in football in general. The club has to defend him and also the Football Federation. I also heard horrible comments on the pitch, but I tried to stay out of it.”
Moving to the topic of Camavinga, who has also played as a defensive midfielder this season, a position Makelele thrived in, the French legend said:
“Although he is now on the flank, he plays in my position. He’s a great guy, technical, very quick. He has learned a lot. I’m surprised how quickly he’s adapted to Madrid because it’s a very big club and it’s not easy. I see him as a footballer with a great future.”
Giving an insight into tomorrow’s contest between two of the biggest teams in Europe currently, Makelele insisted that Real Madrid remain the top dog for him, but warned that Manchester City have now learned how to win and succeed in the Champions League.
“For me, Madrid are still the best team in the world, but Manchester City have now understood how to play this kind of competition. But I am still a Madrid fan. City have a good chance,” he said.
“They lost, lost, lost…. And in the meantime, they won the Premier League and gained experience. Now Guardiola has understood that the Champions League is a different way of playing.”
Makelele even gave City a slight advantage over Real Madrid heading into the tie as he said:
“Madrid are different because they know what they have to do in this competition. They are used to playing two competitions in different ways.
“I would say City are more mature now. They have built a defensive unit, but at the same time they attack. They have also brought in Haaland, who is a lethal player in the box. They have a little bit of an advantage, 51 percent.”
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid eye €3.5 million-rated relegated Premier League striker to reinforce attack
Following a difficult season with troubles in La Liga and the Champions League preventing Real Madrid from retaining their crowns, Los Blancos move towards a transformative summer, full of innovations.
Real Madrid managed to clear plenty of unwanted figures at the club, with a huge relief on the wage bill. However, with an array of exits, the squad has contracted and thus replacements are being inquired.
Apart from the high-profile departure of Karim Benzema, fringe players have also bid their farewell.
Among those names is Mariano Diaz, who was Madrid’s backup striker prior to his withdrawal. Several names have been put on the table to fill his absence as the club largely aim to address their lack of depth.
According to Arancha Rodriguez (via RM4Arab), Leeds United striker Rodrigo Moreno is one of the names gaining consensus in the Madrid hierarchy. Moreover, Joselu has also been considered as a viable alternative.
The two favourites to replace Mariano have proven to be important figures for their clubs as both strikers maintain a starting role.
Playing for Espanyol, Joselu ended the La Liga campaign as the third top scorer, only behind Benzema and Lewandowski. Considering Espanyol’s relegation, such a feat looks even more impressive. The Spaniard secured 19 goals in all competitions.
On the other hand, Rodrigo Moreno recorded 16 goals last season across all competitions. Similar to Joselu’s case, the Spanish international also suffered relegation with Leeds, in spite of his good numbers.
With both players offering adequate output in struggling sides, Real Madrid’s interest is practical. Moreover, considering both Espanyol and Leeds were relegated, their asking price will undeniably lower, which enables the Merengues to sign one of the two targets at a more convenient rate.
It is claimed that Rodrigo has a release clause worth €3.5 million which Los Blancos would have to trigger to sign him from Leeds United.
It now remains to be seen whether Carlo Ancelotti & co. go after the former Valencia man or move for Joselu instead.
