Real Madrid News
Real Madrid look to cut short prodigy’s loan at AC Milan
When Real Madrid signed Brahim Diaz from Manchester City in 2019, the youngster was touted as one of the biggest talents in Spanish football. Diaz signed a six-year contract with Los Blancos, a clear indication of the trust they had in the player.
However, the youngster’s return to Spain was cut short in just two years. After a dry spell in the Spanish capital, he departed to AC Milan on a two-year loan deal.
Now, there is another twist the Diaz’s story. Despite there being another year on the player’s loan at AC Milan, Real Madrid are looking to bring him back home in the summer according to Sergio Santos.
There is a gentleman’s agreement between the two sides by which the player’s decision will always be respected. However, it remains to be seen as to what Diaz thinks of Real Madrid’s interest.
The 22-year-old has seen a wave of opportunities in Italy, starting 22 games in Serie A so far. His prominent role in Stefano Pioli’s setup has seen him earn international call ups from Luis Enrique’s La Roja.
With the World Cup nearing, the youngster wants to be in the constant spotlight to earn a call-up to Qatar. Keeping that in mind, he will only return to Real Madrid if he is guaranteed minutes under Carlo Ancelotti.
In 22 league starts this season, Diaz has scored three goals and provided as many assists. He has created two big chances and averages 1.1 key passes per game. Needless to say, he will be a valuable asset to the Galacticos’ setup.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid key midfielder ready to start vs Atletico Madrid after strong return from injury
Real Madrid have had a few injuries to contend with since the start of the season, with Aurelien Tchouameni, Thiago Pitarch and Endrick all serving spells on the sidelines.
The trio are back in training now and looking to work their way into Jose Mourinho’s plans after a disrupted pre-season.
Now, according to Alberto Pereiro, Tchouameni appears to be winning the race to return to Real Madrid’s starting XI for the derby against Atletico Madrid.
The 26-year-old is said to be in the best physical condition of the players who have recently returned from injury.
Thiago Pitarch, Endrick and Tchouameni all rejoined team training last week, but the Frenchman is currently considered the most match-ready of the three.
Tchouameni ahead in the recovery race
As such, Tchouameni is now expected to start against Atletico Madrid later this week. That would be an important boost for Mourinho considering the physical nature of the game in store.
Tchouameni gives Real Madrid something very specific in midfield. He can protect the defence, compete in duels, cover large spaces and provide the kind of structure Mourinho values when matches become chaotic.
His return would also allow Real Madrid to approach the game with more balance around Federico Valverde and the attacking players ahead of them.
Mourinho has always valued his profile
Mourinho has been careful with Tchouameni’s recovery rather than rushing him back before he was fully ready.
That patience now looks set to pay off. Madrid have enough technical quality in midfield, but against Atletico, the game is unlikely to be decided by possession alone.
The ability to win second balls, close transition spaces and survive physically intense periods could be just as important.
This is exactly where Tchouameni thrives.
Pitarch and Endrick may need more time
The latest update also suggests Pitarch and Endrick are slightly behind Tchouameni in terms of physical readiness.
That does not necessarily mean either player is unavailable, but it would make sense for Mourinho to manage their minutes more cautiously. The duo are expected to be fully ready after the international break.
Pitarch still has an important role to play in a crowded midfield, while Endrick will be looking to re-establish himself in the attacking rotation after his own injury interruption.
For the derby, neither of those players is likely to be an option for the XI, but Tchouameni will definitely be a great addition.
If he does start, it would underline how highly Mourinho values him in the biggest matches. At the Metropolitano, Madrid may need Tchouameni more than anyone else, and it remains to be seen how things play out.
