Real Madrid News
Real Madrid veteran will continue playing international football until UEFA Euro 2024
Following Croatia’s defeat to Spain in the UEFA Nations League final this past Sunday, there have been a lot of speculations surrounding the international future of Real Madrid legend Luka Modric.
At 37 years old, the Croatia captain continues to be their best player and was head and shoulders above the rest in the semi-finals and the finals of the Nations League earlier this month, but could not guide his team to the elusive glory.
Given that he still plays regularly at a high level at Real Madrid, there have been concerns about him suffering from burnout if he continues playing with the national team.
But, according to an exclusive report from 24Sata in Croatia, Modric has decided to continue playing international football until the UEFA Euro 2024 next summer in Germany.
Following the defeat to Spain on Sunday night, the 37-year-old midfielder had spoken out about his international future, but had refused to give much away, saying:
“My future with the national team? I have decided my future, I am clear about it but I’m not going to say it today.”
Given the fitness levels he has maintained and the way he continues to perform on the field, it does not come as a surprise that Modric wishes to keep on representing his national team until the European Championships next year.
The midfielder has come agonisingly close to winning a trophy with the Vatreni, but has failed to win one yet.
Indeed, Modric led Croatia to the runners-up spot in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, a third-place finish in the 2022 FIFA World Cup and another second-place run in the UEFA Nations League this year.
The 37-year-old Real Madrid legend will hope to break that hoodoo and go all the way in the Euros next year and call time on his international career by leading Croatia to a much-deserved trophy.
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.
