Real Madrid News
Uruguayan legend picks the Real Madrid player he would sign for Atletico Madrid: ‘Has a lot of Atleti DNA’
Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are set to lock horns in just a few hours, and the overall feeling is that the clash is well balanced.
Los Blancos have been in better form heading into the clash, especially in terms of results. Atletico Madrid, however, are unbeaten so far this season at home. Moreover, Real Madrid’s record at the Metropolitano in recent years has been poor.
One of the biggest focus points during the game, needless to say, will be the midfield for it is the department where Real Madrid have relatively struggled this season.
Should they control the game and create chances through the middle, their prospects of winning will improve significantly.
Godin’s pick for Atletico Madrid
Speaking to DAZN ahead of the derby, former Atletico Madrid player and Uruguayan legend Diego Godin was asked which Real Madrid player he would like to sign for Los Rojiblancos.
His answer, needless to say, was quite straightforward as he picked his compatriot and Real Madrid captain Federico Valverde.
“Which Real Madrid player would I sign for Atletico? Fede Valverde.”
Elaborating on what makes Valverde a strong pick for his former side, the ex-defender said,
“He is one of the most complete players in Madrid, and is captain this season.”
He also spoke on how Valverde’s dynamism makes him a special player, saying,
“He can play all positions on the pitch, and is also a humble guy. He has a lot of Atleti DNA.”
Set to start
Valverde has been stellar for Real Madrid so far this season, and all signs point to him starting in the derby later today in the defensive midfield.
The Uruguayan star will likely be paired with Aurelien Tchouameni for the high-octane clash, and will thus have a lot of defensive responsibility thrust on his shoulders.
Given Real Madrid’s relative lack of press from the attacking department, Valverde and Co. will have to put in a tireless shift on Sunday if Real Madrid are to control the game at any point. Needless to say, he will be up for the challenge.
With the international break done and dusted, Real Madrid will be back in action this weekend in La Liga, where they will be looking to catch up to league leaders FC Barcelona.
Coming up for Jose Mourinho & co., who lost their last game before the international break, will be a home game against Villarreal on Saturday.
And, leading up to the game, the Spanish capital club have received welcome news on the injury front.
Mbappe back in group training
Indeed, as per MARCA, Kylian Mbappe will be available for Real Madrid’s match against Villarreal at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday.
Having been training individually so far this week, the France captain rejoined group training under Mourinho today, taking a concrete step forward towards making himself available for the game.
The forward looked relaxed and ready to work, putting his boots back on and joining the group as Real Madrid prepare for a demanding run of fixtures throughout October.
And, unless there is any unforeseen setback, everything suggests that Mbappe will be ready to start against the Yellow Submarine come Saturday.
Under scrutiny
The past few weeks have been nothing short of eventful for Mbappe, with his every action and movement under heavy scrutiny.
Playing for France, in Zinedine Zidane’s managerial debut, the 27-year-old superstar scored a goal before asking for a substitution due to a knee injury.
Having flown back to Madrid, he underwent tests, which confirmed the injury, although it was not as serious as was initially feared.
The forward then took week-long holiday with his partner that sparked some debate among supporters and attracted criticism from multiple quarters.
Mbappe returned to Madrid on Monday and participated in individual sessions at Valdebebas over the past couple of days. Now he has resumed normal training with his teammates.
There had been doubts over whether Mbappe would be able to face Villarreal after he picked up the injury on 25 September.
However, the recovery plan followed by the forward appears to have worked, and he is now expected to be in a fully fit condition for Saturday’s match.
