Real Madrid News
Real Madrid president shocked by criticism over superstar forward’s performances
Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappe, quite clearly, are personal bets for Real Madrid president Florentino Perez at this point.
The manager, after all, has openly defended both players voraciously in recent times. He has been an open fan of the Brazilian for a long time, and he saw the mission to sign Mbappe as a personal objective long before the move materialised.
In their time together so far, however, the duo have not really lit up the field. There continues to be some disconnect between the two stars despite how strong a pair they make on paper.
Perez’s surprise
Mbappe and Vinicius, as the team’s biggest stars, have been criticised for Real Madrid’s poor run across all competitions.
As reported by MARCA, however, Perez is shocked to see the Frenchman being criticised by fans for his performances as he simply cannot understand the rationale behind the same.
“How can he be criticised when he has scored so many goals?,” is the question the president raises internally, for he finds it appalling that a player who has been so effective in front of goal is being scapegoated.
Given Mbappe’s numbers this season, Perez’s shock is understandable. After all, the former PSG star has scored 24 goals in La Liga and a further 15 in the UEFA Champions League this season alone.
Considering that Real Madrid have scored 67 goals in all in La Liga, Mbappe has scored over a third of the team’s goals.
What is also true, however, is that he does not offer much out of possession and that his presence on the field is reducing the collective effort significantly.
It remains to be seen what the club internally evaluate the situation to be. What is clear, however, is that tactical tweaks are needed to continue bringing the best out of Mbappe while also countering the lacunae.
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.
