Real Madrid News
Tchouameni to contest with Real Madrid veteran for defensive-midfield position
As Real Madrid gear up for the forthcoming campaign, Carlo Ancelotti continues to draw up the squad list that he will carry into next season.
Last season, Madrid faced a dilemma in the defensive midfield department, as Tchouameni’s bright first half of the campaign was marred with a dip in performances, which led the coach to start Kroos as the starting 6.
With the conclusion of the pre-season US tour, it appears the duo will continue to battle it out for a spot at the base of the midfield.
Tchouaméni and Kroos will be contesting for the defensive midfield position once again this season.
Tchouameni’s resurgence
Los Blancos acquired the midfielder for a whopping fee of €80 million plus another €20 million only last year, as he arrived to take over Casemiro’s throne.
While he had a stellar first few months in Spain, his performance quickly dipped in the second part of his debut season, costing him his starting spot.
However, an outstanding upside for Madrid in the pre-season was recovering a version of Aurelien Tchouameni that resembled something close to his best after his decline in the second half of the last season.
In light of his resurgence, offering him more regularity would be the ideal move to further the Frenchman’s development.
While Kroos has the potential to offer guidance and ease the burden off the Tchouameni, he has shown clear struggles defensively in this position, as was especially observed in last season’s Champions League affair against Manchester City.
As such, providing Tchouameni with a starting role, with Kroos playing second fiddle would be a sensible approach, as the German enters the final stage of his career and the Frenchman proceeds to grow in maturity.
Real Madrid News
Bellingham on his special assist in Girona 0-3 Real Madrid: “Been watching Luka every day”
Real Madrid usurped the top spot in the La Liga standings from arch-rivals FC Barcelona as they defeated Girona 3-0 away at Estadi Montilivi.
It was a fine performance from Carlo Ancelotti’s men against Michel’s side, with the returning Jude Bellingham leading the way for his team.
After being benched against Las Palmas in midweek, the England international returned to the starting XI today and turned in yet another Man of the Match display for Real Madrid.
It all started with Joselu opening the scoring just 15 minutes into the game, with Bellingham assisting the goal with a special, outside-of-the-boot pass from the left side, bringing back memories of Luka Modric doing something similar a few years ago.
Talking about that special pass, Bellingham said: “I’ve been watching Luka every day for months. I just want to be creative. It took the pressure off us at the start.”
On the match and the result, the 20-year-old stated that it was a good day across the board for Real Madrid, as he said: “It was an important win. They were doing very well. We made a statement of intent to La Liga. Three goals, a clean sheet….”
It has been a truly remarkable start to life at Real Madrid for Bellingham and expressing how he feels to play for the Merengues, he exclaimed:
“I feel very good. I have freedom of movement and I’m enjoying football. Whenever I put on this shirt I always try to do my best.”
Apart from assisting Joselu’s opener, Bellingham also got his name on the scoresheet in the second period. Talking about his goal, the wonderkid said:
“It wasn’t a very good finish. I could have scored some more, but the important thing is the victory.”
The strike meant that Bellingham now has seven goals and two assists across all competitions for Real Madrid. Reflecting on his brilliant start, he said:
“It’s a good start, not bad. I would like to continue on this path and I won’t always score or assist, but I will always give my best.”
Bellingham’s celebration has been a huge hit, with kids in school, players from other clubs, and many others mimicking it. When asked how his special celebration originated, he replied:
“I don’t know where I first celebrated. I think it was with Birmingham. It’s an inspiration to see kids doing it in schools. It’s a wonderful thing.”
Source: AS
