Real Madrid News
Real Madrid want teenage prodigy to prove himself with Castilla before opening first-team doors
The Champions League clash against Celtic brought with it a big blow for Carlo Ancelotti in the form of Karim Benzema’s injury. The Frenchman is expected to be out for at least three games, bringing up the question – who will replace him?
Prima facie, it would appear that Eden Hazard is Ancelotti’s first-choice backup for Benzema. However, the Belgian is not a centre-forward and cannot be a like-for-like replacement. Given the situation, Iker Bravo would appear to be the best natural alternative.
According to reports from MARCA, Los Blancos are clear with their plan with Bravo. The club will first wait for him to settle with the Castilla team and show his qualities. The door to the first team will only open if he impresses. At the moment, Ancelotti will not risk excessively exposing the youngster.
Real Madrid signed the 17-year-old from Bayer Leverkusen in August on a season-long loan deal. There is, however, a purchase clause of €6 million in the agreement.
He is a product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia and spent over a decade there before moving to Germany last year. Several clubs including Atletico Madrid were interested in his signing this summer, but Real Madrid beat their competition to win the race.
Bravo has made only one appearance for Real Madrid Castilla so far, coming on for the final 18 minutes against Racing Ferrol.
While he is yet to open his account in Spain, there is optimism over his quality and the management are convinced that he can replace Benzema in the long term. For now, though, he must make an impression under Raul Gonzalez before he can get a look-in into the senior setup.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid star Huijsen credits Mourinho for improved form in new season: ‘He supports me a lot’
Real Madrid will be looking to get back to winning ways in LaLiga as they take on Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.
The club are coming on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Real Betis last weekend but did secure a narrow win over Inter Milan in the midweek Champions League fixture.
Heading into this game, Dean Huijsen, who has been showing a lot of promise in these early parts of the season, spoke to the club’s official media about the match ahead and how Real Madrid have been coping with the pressure early on, among other things.
Huijsen on Rayo and his defensive duties
The young centre-back was fully aware of the threat posed by Rayo and praised the opposition.
“We know that Rayo is a good team, and it’s a tough team to face, and we must give our all as we do in all matches to secure the three points, that’s the only thing that matters, and for the Bernabeu to be with us and for us all to be united,” he said.
He also detailed the defensive demands placed on him by the coaching staff led by Jose Mourinho.
“Well, what every coach asks of you: ferocity, intercepting balls, and winning one-on-one duels. He supports me a lot, and I think this helps me greatly, and defending together as a team,” he said.
On the team’s preparations for the fixture, Huijsen offered an insight into their training routine.
“We’re working on some tactics related to the opponent. And well, after that it depends on the day; we might play a mini-match among ourselves or not,” he added.
Huijsen on Mourinho and his fine form
The Spaniard was quick to credit Mourinho, with whom he previously worked at Roma, for his development and current level.
“We’ve known each other for a while, even though we spent a relatively short time together in Rome. He gave me the opportunity to make the real leap into professional football, and I’ll always be grateful to him for that,” Huijsen said.
Reflecting on his own performances, the defender was in confident mood, once again pointing to the influence of his coach and teammates.
“I think I’m in good shape. Well, I think I’m delivering a good level, and I believe that’s thanks to the coach too, as he keeps track of me and takes great care of me.”
“Well, I’m also doing my very best, and I think the teammates are supporting me too, and this is the perfect equation,” he added.
Finally, Huijsen explained how he manages his recovery amid a congested schedule.
“There are a lot of matches, so we need to recover well and stay focused on football, then you have to sleep well. And yes, on the days after the match, I also take a cold shower and a hot shower to recover better,” he concluded.
