Real Madrid News
Real Madrid mainstay has rejected Chelsea, wants to become the club captain
Over the past couple of seasons, Federico Valverde has grown into one of the most important players at Real Madrid. The midfielder has been a permanent fixture in Carlo Ancelotti’s team, be it in midfield or on the right wing, playing a starring role in the success that the team achieved.
As far as last season goes, Valverde featured in 56 matches across all competitions, scoring 12 goals and setting up seven more for his teammates.
Valverde’s exploits coupled with the increased competition in midfield have led to him attracting interest from clubs in the Premier League.
Chelsea, for one, are said to be very keen on signing the 24-year-old midfielder this summer. But according to AS, Valverde has already rejected the approaches from Chelsea and as things stand, the Uruguayan international has ambitions of becoming the captain of Real Madrid.
This is not the first time that Valverde’s name has been linked with the captaincy at the Santiago Bernabeu. Reports in the past have mentioned that the Uruguayan dreams of growing into that role while people at the club also see him as a future skipper.
Real Madrid, as such, have no intentions of letting Valverde leave the club anytime and the midfielder, too, is uninterested in a move away despite the interest from Chelsea as well as Liverpool, who were also understood to be sniffing around.
But with seven midfielders at the club and only three spots to compete for, it will certainly be interesting to see how Carlo Ancelotti manages to juggle his options and keep Valverde in his starting XI on a regular basis.
Some reports have even suggested that the 24-year-old ace could be fielded on the right flank more frequently than in midfield, where he would have to compete with the likes of Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Eduardo Camavinga, Dani Ceballos, and new boy Jude Bellingham.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
