Real Madrid News
Xabi Alonso to keep a close eye on Real Madrid youth prodigy after long injury layoff
After missing the entire last season due to injury, Joan Martinez has finally returned to full fitness and is determined to make an impression next season.
However, Martinez’s immediate return to the pitch would have to wait as Real Madrid have chosen to take a cautious approach with the defender.
Martinez, who is considered one of the most promising talents coming out of La Fabrica in recent years, will not be an immediate part of the first-team.
Instead, Martinez will be under the watchful eye of Castilla coach Alvaro Arbeloa, who will be tasked with the responsibility of springing the defender back to full fitness, reports MARCA.
Xabi Alonso to keep a close eye
The report does, however, add that Real Madrid first-team won’t completely abandon Joan Martinez.
In fact, new coach Xabi Alonso is expected to keep a close eye on the young defensive prospect throughout his spell at Castilla.
This is hardly surprising as Alonso has taken some key steps already since joining Real Madrid, notably emphasising more on youth development.
Martinez, to that end, has been identified as one of Real Madrid’s most promising prospects, who is more than capable of making a breakthrough at the highest level of football. He is rated quite highly within the camp.
For now, though, the young Spaniard is expected to report to Arbeloa on July 14. He will spend the summer and the first part of the season with Castilla, as part of his return process.
As for the first-team, Alonso is well covered, thanks to the summer addition of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen while several youth defenders have stepped up as well.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid dressing room heavyweight raises concern over Vinicius: “We have to make him happy again”
One of the major sagas of the summer transfer window was the contract renewal involving Vinicius Junior.
Real Madrid and Vinicius had been in talks over a new deal for a significant period, and there were stages when it felt like an agreement might not be reached.
However, in the end, the film had a happy ending, with the 26-year-old putting pen to paper on a new deal at the club.
Despite the new deal, there are some concerns over Vinicius that have now reached the dressing room.
As quoted by Diario AS, an unnamed dressing-room heavyweight approached Mourinho after the game and expressed worry about the treatment Vinicius is receiving from a section of the Bernabeu crowd.
“Worried about Vini
The concern came after Vinicius was heavily whistled when he was substituted late in the Inter match, despite producing one of his stronger collective performances of the season.
“Boss, I am worried about Vini,” the senior player told Mourinho.
“After everything he has done for Madrid over the years, the way part of the fans have treated him is not normal. We have to make him happy again.”
This is no longer only about outside criticism or Mourinho publicly defending one of his forwards. The dressing room itself has recognised that Vinicius may need support.
Mourinho still sees Vinicius as untouchable
Despite how the crowd have been treating the 26-year-old, within the club, there is no doubt about what Vinicius brings to the table.
Mourinho sees him as one of the first names on the team sheet and an untouchable player in his plans for the club.
To his credit, the Brazilian has shown far greater defensive commitment and a willingness to sacrifice himself for the sake of his team.
This has undoubtedly led Mourinho to appreciate the effort, and the manager is determined to help Vinicius return to his best level.
Madrid need to protect one of their key players
That approach makes sense.
Vinicius has spent years carrying enormous attacking responsibility at Madrid. A difficult spell should not suddenly erase what he has already shown he can provide.
If Mourinho, the president and the dressing room are all united behind Vinicius, that support could be decisive.
It is high time the Bernabeu crowd also got behind their talisman and gave him the support he deserves.
The Brazilian will also have to become more consistent with his performances, and it remains to be seen how Mourinho addresses this situation.
