Real Madrid News
Real Madrid to reward exit-bound star against Alaves due to his professionalism
It is shaping up to be a hectic summer transfer window for Real Madrid, with several new faces expected to enter the ranks and some also set to hit the exit door.
Among those bidding adieu is Kepa Arrizabalaga, whose loan stint concludes this summer. Real Madrid have decided against securing the goalkeeper’s services permanently, signaling his imminent departure from the club.
Real Madrid will start Kepa tonight
Indeed, as per AS this summer, Kepa is expected to leave the team. He is expected to start tonight against Alaves, affording him the chance to properly bid farewell to the home supporters.
The club is pleased with Kepa’s calm handling of the matter and commends him for it, which is why they want to extend their gratitude by granting him this final opportunity.
Even though Andriy Lunin and Thibaut Courtois ranked higher than the Belgian in the pecking order, the Merengues are aware that with little but pride to play for, starting Kepa is a good way to reward Kepa for his professionalism since joining the club.
Kepa was initially signed as Courtois’ replacement but soon lost his place to Lunin due to the Ukrainian’s superb performances between the sticks.
And Lunin’s superb performances have secured him a long-term role within the team, further ostracizing Kepa.
Kepa harbours no resentment
Prior reports have mentioned that Kepa has shown nothing but grace in his reaction to being replaced by Lunin.
He has never exhibited symptoms of discontent in the locker room or come up to training with half-heartedness, which is something Real Madrid values.
As such, a start tonight will give the 29-year-old a chance to close his chapter with Madrid on a high.
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.
