Real Madrid News
Soon-to-be-free Liverpool star expresses admiration for Real Madrid icons – ‘Wanted to play with them’
Liverpool icon Mohamed Salah has shared the names of the four players who have influenced him the most in his career.
The Egyptian star, whose contract with Liverpool is set to expire next summer, expressed his admiration for Ronaldo Nazario, Zinedine Zidane, Francesco Totti, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Salah highlighted the joy these players brought to the game and their exceptional skills on the pitch. From the flair of Ronaldo Nazario to the elegance of Zidane, these football icons shaped Salah’s early perceptions of the sport.
“I love the way Ronaldo Nazario, Zinedine Zidane and Francesco Totti played. I always looked at these players and they just enjoyed the game,” he said on Liverpool’s YouTube channel.
He also acknowledged Cristiano Ronaldo’s relentless dedication, which he observed more closely when he began playing in Europe.
“Cristiano too, when I started playing more in Europe. You see the way he has always dedicated himself to football, it’s incredible. The way in which they take care of themselves is also seen in their numbers,” he noted.
Inspired by the icons
Salah spoke fondly of his time with Francesco Totti during their shared stint at AS Roma. Spending two years alongside Totti gave Salah an up-close view of the Italian legend’s unmatched technical ability and warm personality.
“I looked at these players when I was young and I just wanted to play a game with them or be like them one day.”
This period remains one of the standout chapters in Salah’s career, further cementing Totti as one of his biggest inspirations.
“I had a good opportunity to play with Totti for two years in Rome. It was an incredible time, I loved it. His technique was crazy and he was also a very, very good person,” he admitted.
Interestingly, three of the players Salah mentioned—Ronaldo Nazario, Zidane, and Cristiano Ronaldo—are closely associated with Real Madrid, a detail that has not gone unnoticed by fans and pundits online.
This has sparked discussions, especially with Salah’s future at Liverpool hanging in the balance. In just two months, the Egyptian will be free to negotiate with other clubs, intensifying speculation about his next move.
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.
