Real Madrid News
Xabi Alonso to take two Real Madrid youth prospects to the FIFA Club World Cup
The Xabi Alonso era is set to kick off soon at Real Madrid with the Spanish tactician being announced as the new manager earlier this week, succeeding Carlo Ancelotti.
Alonso’s first assignment with Real Madrid will be to lead the team at the FIFA Club World Cup in the summer where he will get a good look at the players at his disposal before starting the next season.
Apart from assessing the first-team players, Alonso is expected to involve some youngsters from the Castilla and youth ranks in the tournament in the USA.
Jesus Fortea and Diego Aguado to be called up
As such, MARCA reports that two of Real Madrid’s most promising youth players – Jesus Fortea and Diego Aguado – are already preparing to travel to the United States for the Club World Cup.
The two teenage prospects had been named in the Spain preliminary squad for the Under-19 European Championships this summer.
However, it appears that will miss the Under-19 Euros, opting instead for a much bigger opportunity – joining the first team for one of the club’s most important events this season.
FIFA has made provisions that allow young players to withdraw from youth tournaments, provided that it is due to their involvement in the Club World Cup.
It is true that both Aguado and Fortea could still feature in next season’s Under-19 Euros due to their age – they are both still Under-18.
But the chance to debut with the first team, in Fortea’s case, and to gain further experience at that level, in Aguado’s case, is the kind of dream and opportunity too good to turn down.
Aguado has already made his debut under Carlo Ancelotti in the Copa del Rey and is considered one of the key players in Real Madrid’s youth system with both present impact and strong future prospects.
Fortea’s case is especially notable, as he is making the jump directly from the youth team without first playing for Castilla.
It should also be noted that the Club World Cup, and more precisely, the training days in the United States, will serve as a proving ground for a number of youth players.
Both Fortea and Aguado have been selected by Xabi Alonso for this opportunity. The scouting reports from Alvaro Arbeloa have played a crucial role in their inclusion.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid star Huijsen credits Mourinho for improved form in new season: ‘He supports me a lot’
Real Madrid will be looking to get back to winning ways in LaLiga as they take on Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.
The club are coming on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Real Betis last weekend but did secure a narrow win over Inter Milan in the midweek Champions League fixture.
Heading into this game, Dean Huijsen, who has been showing a lot of promise in these early parts of the season, spoke to the club’s official media about the match ahead and how Real Madrid have been coping with the pressure early on, among other things.
Huijsen on Rayo and his defensive duties
The young centre-back was fully aware of the threat posed by Rayo and praised the opposition.
“We know that Rayo is a good team, and it’s a tough team to face, and we must give our all as we do in all matches to secure the three points, that’s the only thing that matters, and for the Bernabeu to be with us and for us all to be united,” he said.
He also detailed the defensive demands placed on him by the coaching staff led by Jose Mourinho.
“Well, what every coach asks of you: ferocity, intercepting balls, and winning one-on-one duels. He supports me a lot, and I think this helps me greatly, and defending together as a team,” he said.
On the team’s preparations for the fixture, Huijsen offered an insight into their training routine.
“We’re working on some tactics related to the opponent. And well, after that it depends on the day; we might play a mini-match among ourselves or not,” he added.
Huijsen on Mourinho and his fine form
The Spaniard was quick to credit Mourinho, with whom he previously worked at Roma, for his development and current level.
“We’ve known each other for a while, even though we spent a relatively short time together in Rome. He gave me the opportunity to make the real leap into professional football, and I’ll always be grateful to him for that,” Huijsen said.
Reflecting on his own performances, the defender was in confident mood, once again pointing to the influence of his coach and teammates.
“I think I’m in good shape. Well, I think I’m delivering a good level, and I believe that’s thanks to the coach too, as he keeps track of me and takes great care of me.”
“Well, I’m also doing my very best, and I think the teammates are supporting me too, and this is the perfect equation,” he added.
Finally, Huijsen explained how he manages his recovery amid a congested schedule.
“There are a lot of matches, so we need to recover well and stay focused on football, then you have to sleep well. And yes, on the days after the match, I also take a cold shower and a hot shower to recover better,” he concluded.
