Real Madrid News
Xabi Alonso will take 19-year-old Real Madrid starlet to the FIFA Club World Cup
In less than a week, the FIFA Club World Cup gets underway in the United States of America. Real Madrid, though, will play their first game of the group stage next week against Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal.
With the team set to fly to the US later this week, new manager Xabi Alonso already has a fair idea of the players who he will be taking along for the tournament.
A number of first-team players will be unavailable through injury while the likes of Dani Carvajal David Alaba, and Eder Militao, despite resuming training, are unlikely to be involved either.
As such, there will be opportunities for young talents from the Castilla and youth teams at the tournament.
The likes of Diego Aguado, Jesus Fortea, Gonzalo Garcia, and Jacobo Ramon are all expected to be in Alonso’s squad for the tournament.
Yusi will also travel with Real Madrid first team
Now, according to journalist Rodra, another Real Madrid youngster, Youssef Lekhedim ‘Yusi’ will also be travelling with the first team for the FIFA Club World Cup.
The 19-year-old left-back is a player that Xabi Alonso is familiar with, having already coached him with the club’s Infantil A (U-14) team a few years ago.
Real Madrid will be flying to the US without first-choice left-back Ferland Mendy who is out injured.
The Merengues hoped to close the signing of Alvaro Carreras from Benfica in time for the tournament but it was not possible either.
As such, Alonso will be left with only Fran Garcia as the recognised left-back in the squad. That is why, Yusi is also expected to travel to the US for the tournament.
The 19-year-old left-back made 35 appearances for Castilla this season, scoring one and assisting four goals. He was also called up to the first-team matchday squad by former manager Carlo Ancelotti on eight occasions.
Given Alonso’s familiarity with the player, it should not come as a surprise to see Yusi get some opportunities at the Club World Cup, although fellow teenager Aguado will also be an option.
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.
