Real Madrid News
Real Madrid midfielder tipped to emulate Barcelona icon by former coach: “Can become one of the best”
In the absence of Eder Militao, David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger due to injuries, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has been forced to experiment a little, when it comes to picking his men in the defensive unit.
One player who has particularly stood out during this period is Aurelien Tchouameni. The French midfielder has operated in a defensive role in recent times, impressing onlookers with his composure and ability to read the game.
Roberto Moreno compares Tchouameni to Mascherano
In light of Tchouameni’s impressive performances, former Spanish coach Roberto Moreno has compared the Real Madrid star to former Barcelona great Javier Mascherano.
“He has the conditions. If he wants, look at Mascherano at Barça, he can become one of Real Madrid’s best centre-backs,” Moreno told EFE (h/t Mundo Deportivo).
Formerly an assistant manager at Barcelona, it must be noted that Moreno had coached Tchouameni during his spell as the AS Monaco manager.
Moreno had also worked with Mascherano as well, during their time together in Barcelona.
He is, therefore, aware of the qualities of both the players and judging by Tchouameni’s recent performances, the Spaniard believes the player has what it takes to become a Mascherano for Real Madrid.
Moreno backs Tchouameni to become a centre-back
In addition to comparing him to Mascherano, Roberto Moreno went on to back the Frenchman to become an excellent centre-back at Real Madrid.
“For a player of his talent, physical and mental strength (…) playing further back almost makes things easier for him, since he sees all football in its face,” Moreno said.
“That, added to his defensive capacity. He will simply have to iron out rough edges and nuances since playing as a center back is not playing as a pivot. They are small details. I think he can do it very well,” he added.
Moreno further highlighted that Ancelotti loves having versatile players in his squad. He also added that Tchouameni has the time to ‘return to his position’ as well.
“I think he has the conditions. To play in a team as big as Real Madrid, it is not enough to have talent, you have to have a very well-equipped head. And Tchouaméni and his entourage have it. He is prepared to compete. Furthermore, he is a young man,” Moreno concluded.
Real Madrid youngster Endrick continues to attract interest from several clubs ahead of another potential loan move in the upcoming January transfer window.
The latest side considering a move for the Brazilian forward is Aston Villa.
Indeed, according to reports relayed by Bernabeu Digital, the Premier League club are interested in signing the Real Madrid striker on loan in January.
No minutes for Endrick
Endrick has had very limited opportunities under Jose Mourinho this season. Across Real Madrid’s nine matches in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, the Brazilian has played just four minutes, coming on in the 86th minute against Elche.
Such limited playing time has left the young forward struggling to gain the minutes and experience needed to develop his talent at Real Madrid.
As such, another loan move, like last January when he left for Olympique Lyon, could offer him a chance to play more regularly and continue his progression.
Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, have now emerged as an interested party to acquire the Brazilian international’s services on loan for the second half of the season.
AC Milan also interested in Endrick
Howver, Aston Villa are not the only club monitoring Endrick’s situation. AC Milan have also renewed their interest in the Brazilian forward.
The Rossoneri already held an interest in the 20-year-old forward during the summer transfer window and are knocking on the doors once again now.
In fact, some reports in Italy even go on to suggest that the youngster is ready to pounce on the opportunity to sign for the Serie A giants.
For now, however, there have been no concrete developments or formal approaches from any interested club.
Real Madrid are understood to be open to allowing Endrick to leave on loan, but they are not considering a permanent sale as they still have a lot of faith in the promising attacker whom they signed from Palmeiras.
With Aston Villa and AC Milan both interested, the coming months could prove important in determining where the young Brazilian will continue his development.
