Real Madrid News
Real Madrid new boy will be the first-choice starter for Ancelotti next season – report
As reported by AS (h/t Madrid Xtra), new signing Fran Garcia will be Real Madrid’s first-choice left-back next season.
The 23-year-old, who first joined Real Madrid back in 2013, was brought back by Los Blancos in June, making him the club’s first signing of the summer.
The young full-back was initially expected to be the understudy but considering Ferland Mendy’s substandard return, he is now set to become Carlo Ancelotti’s first choice.
Garcia’s installation as the first choice comes on the back of his excellent season at Rayo Vallecano in 2022/23. On top of that, Mendy is staring at an uncertain future following his subpar campaign last time out.
While Real Madrid wish to put him up for sale, Ancelotti is against the idea. The Italian had to rely a lot on Eduardo Camavinga’s versatility and while the Frenchman did put in a consistent performance, he does not want to continue in the position and even the club does not wish to keep him there.
As far as Mendy is concerned, he is willing to stay as well and wants to fight for a place in the first team. If that is achieved, he will want to extend his stay considering that his ongoing deal expires in 2025.
In any given condition, Ancelotti would want to have options at his disposal and Garcia’s acquisition is simply the icing on the cake.
At the moment, a lot will depend on how the young full-back will perform during the pre-season tour. It will set the tone for how things go for him once the campaign begins.
Garcia’s arrival means Mendy will have something to fight for. Last season, he knew he is the unassailable option, but now, if Garcia can replicate his Rayo Vallecano form, Mendy’s permanent place will be in trouble.
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.
