Real Madrid News
Real Madrid mainstay looking forward to the new season: “We can achieve great things”
Speaking in an interview with the club’s official media, Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde has stressed the importance of a good pre-season, stating that it will put the team in a good position to achieve great things.
Real Madrid have already begun preparations for the new season and things will kick up a notch this week as they fly to the USA to play four pre-season friendly encounters against AC Milan, Manchester United, Barcelona, and Juventus.
The pre-season so far has been intense, as revealed by new signing Jude Bellingham, and Valverde echoed the same thoughts, while adding that it will hold them in good stead when the campaign starts.
“The pre-season has been quite tough, but this is what will give us the energy to tackle the season in all competitions,” Valverde said.
“We have to prepare well to get the maximum energy at the start of the season. This is what will give us a good feeling in the middle and at the end of the season. When other teams go down, we can be aiming for the top.”
Talking about the team and their prospects for the upcoming campaign, the Real Madrid midfielder said: “We have a great team and if we all pull together we can achieve great things.”
Valverde also spoke about the tour of the US and stated that it is an important part of the preparation for what lies ahead, saying:
“The tour is very important. I always think about enjoying it with Real Madrid and making the most of it, continuing to learn every day, and giving the fans the best. Going to the United States is very nice and I’ll try to do my best.”
Valverde has grown into one of the most vital cogs in Ancelotti’s team, be it as a midfielder or on the right flank. The Uruguayan ace could find himself playing more and more in attack this season due to the intense competition for places in midfield.
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.
