Real Madrid News
Real Madrid’s penalty takers for next season after Karim Benzema’s exit – report
For the past half-a-decade or so, Karim Benzema had been the first-choice undisputed penalty taker at Real Madrid. The Frenchman, more often than not, delivered from the spot for his team – the Panenka against Man City in the 2021/22 UCL semi-final will remain etched in the fans’ memories forever.
But with Benzema leaving the club this summer to sign for Al Ittihad, Real Madrid have not only lost their captain and ace goalscorer but their most reliable bet from the penalty spot.
And, according to a report from AS (h/t Madrid Xtra), with Benzema no longer at the club, the responsibility of taking the penalties is set to fall on Rodrygo Goes and Luka Modric.
Rodrygo often stepped up to the spot when Benzema was not playing last season and even scored from each of his three attempts – against Barcelona, Celtic, and RB Leipzig.
There will be extra responsibility on the 22-year-old attacker from next season onwards to add more goals to his game following Benzema’s departure. And manager Carlo Ancelotti will also count on him to deliver from the penalty spot.
Modric, meanwhile, is a seasoned penalty taker, and has only missed four times from his 26 attempts from the spot for club and country throughout his career.
The 37-year-old legend, who signed a new contract with the club, scored twice from 12 yards last season for Los Blancos, while missing once. More recently, he was on target from the spot for Croatia in a high-profile UEFA Nations League semi-final tie against the Netherlands.
So, even though Benzema’s quality will be missed, in Rodrygo and Modric Real Madrid have reliable options to take over as their penalty takers for the next season.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid very happy with future star Endrick, eagerly awaiting his arrival in 2024 – Romano
Real Madrid’s attacking unit has been crippled by the loss of Karim Benzema earlier in the summer, which was followed by the loss of Vinicius Jr due to injury.
Although Vinicius has returned, there is much left to be desired from the Madrid frontline as we progress through to the season.
Real Madrid, though, are waiting on the arrival of Endrick. The young Brazilian is set to join the Real Madrid squad in the summer of 2024 when he turns 18.
Real Madrid impressed by Endrick
Endrick has already started his preparation for his pending move to Santiago Bernabeu, having performed exceptionally well in his native Brazil this year.
The youngster is constantly working on his game, in order to further improve himself as an attacker. It has left Real Madrid quite happy and eager for his arrival, reports Fabrizio Romano.
The journalist claims that Real Madrid have been keeping close tabs on everything Endrick has been doing, on and off the pitch, at Palmeiras.
And they have received very good reports on the 17-year-old, with the club impressed by how he is putting efforts to improve himself both performance-wise and in other facets.
Despite there being some question marks over his performances, the teenage forward is starting to showcase his potential, having scored five goals in five starts for Palmeiras.
Endrick also learning new languages
Endrick is not only just working on his performance. In fact, the Brazilian is also learning other languages in order to quickly settle into life in Spain.
The youngster can speak Portuguese, but he may have to master Spanish during his time at Santiago Bernabeu.
As mentioned earlier, Endrick can already speak Portuguese, which should go a long way in helping him team up with fellow Brazilians Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo.
Even Eder Militao can speak Portuguese, which should make it easier for Endrick to adapt to life in Spain, at least for the next year or so.
