Real Madrid News
Schweinsteiger defends Real Madrid star after Germany World Cup exit
Germany’s 4-2 win over Costa Rica last night was not enough to seal qualification to the Round of 16. Thanks to Japan’s win over Spain, the Germans ended up third in the group.
This is the second time in a row Die Mannschaft have been eliminated from the group stages of the World Cup. And in light of the result, German footballing legend Bastian Schweinsteiger has voiced his displeasure with the result.
Schweinsteiger has taken a tig at the German defenders, in particular, as the team has collectively conceded five goals in three matches. But the former Bayern Munich midfielder, though, has praised Antonio Rudiger, labeling him as the only good defender in the team.
“We have only one high-level defender and that is Antonio Rudiger,” he told ARD (h/t DW Sports).
Widely considered one of the best German midfielders of the 21st century, Schweinsteiger went on to criticize the other defenders in the squad, suggesting that they lack the experience and exposure to high-level football.
“The others are all just Bundesliga quality,” he remarked. Schweinsteiger’s comments come in the midst of widespread criticism over the performances of some of the German defenders including Borussia Dortmund duo Niklas Sule and Nico Schlotterbeck.
Rudiger, on the other hand, was one of the consistent performers over the past three matches, using his experience and leadership qualities to steady the ship at the back. However, he did have a few sloppy moments against Costa Rica last night.
But with Germany eliminated, the former Chelsea center-back is set for an early return to the Real Madrid camp. He is set to accompany Thibaut Courtois and Eden Hazard, whose Belgium side was also eliminated following a draw with Croatia.
Real Madrid youngster Endrick continues to attract interest from several clubs ahead of another potential loan move in the upcoming January transfer window.
The latest side considering a move for the Brazilian forward is Aston Villa.
Indeed, according to reports relayed by Bernabeu Digital, the Premier League club are interested in signing the Real Madrid striker on loan in January.
No minutes for Endrick
Endrick has had very limited opportunities under Jose Mourinho this season. Across Real Madrid’s nine matches in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, the Brazilian has played just four minutes, coming on in the 86th minute against Elche.
Such limited playing time has left the young forward struggling to gain the minutes and experience needed to develop his talent at Real Madrid.
As such, another loan move, like last January when he left for Olympique Lyon, could offer him a chance to play more regularly and continue his progression.
Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, have now emerged as an interested party to acquire the Brazilian international’s services on loan for the second half of the season.
AC Milan also interested in Endrick
Howver, Aston Villa are not the only club monitoring Endrick’s situation. AC Milan have also renewed their interest in the Brazilian forward.
The Rossoneri already held an interest in the 20-year-old forward during the summer transfer window and are knocking on the doors once again now.
In fact, some reports in Italy even go on to suggest that the youngster is ready to pounce on the opportunity to sign for the Serie A giants.
For now, however, there have been no concrete developments or formal approaches from any interested club.
Real Madrid are understood to be open to allowing Endrick to leave on loan, but they are not considering a permanent sale as they still have a lot of faith in the promising attacker whom they signed from Palmeiras.
With Aston Villa and AC Milan both interested, the coming months could prove important in determining where the young Brazilian will continue his development.
