Real Madrid News
Real Madrid summer arrival has helped compensate for Benzema’s exit, says Barcelona ace
As Real Madrid and Barcelona gear up to take on each other in the first El Clasico on Saturday, Jude Bellingham will be one of the players who could sway the outcome of the game.
The England international has made a brilliant start to life at Madrid since joining the club back in the summer from Borussia Dortmund in a deal worth €103 million.
More often than not, Bellingham has been the difference-maker for Real Madrid this season, coming up with a return of 11 goals and three assists from 12 games in all competitions.
Bellingham has helped fill for Benzema: Ter Stegen
Real Madrid lost their chief source of goals in recent years, Karim Benzema, during the summer transfer window.
And even though they did not sign a direct replacement for the Frenchman, the goal contributions of Bellingham have ensured that the Frenchman’s absence has not been felt greatly.
And, that is what Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen reckons, with the German praising the Real Madrid ace ahead of Saturday’s El Clasico.
Speaking in an interview with TV3 (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Ter Stegen said: “He can create something out of nothing, we know that. He has plenty of goals for an inside player and he compensates a bit for the departure of Benzema.
“Despite being a completely different profile he generates a lot of danger when he steps into the box and he finishes very well.”
Talking about the big game on Saturday, Ter Stegen insisted that Barcelona were in a good moment after back-to-back wins over Athletic Club and Shakhtar and hoped to make the most of the momentum.
“Now we have some results that give us this peace of mind going into a Clasico, which is always important and obviously we want to win it. We are in a good moment, we want to take advantage of it,” he remarked.
Bellingham ready for El Clasico
After Real Madrid’s Champions League clash against SC Braga on Tuesday, some doubts emerged about Bellingham’s availability for the Barcelona game as he was dealing with minor discomfort.
But, all is well with the 20-year-old, and he announced earlier today that he will be playing in his first-ever El Clasico.
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.
