Pre-Temporada 2024-2025 Games and Trainings

now it is time to reinforce the defense and make some short-term signing fort CB

 

I don’t think we’d have heavily relied on him this season anyway. Jacabo would see more minutes.

To me, doesn’t really change anything.

 

Yeah no, it's not going to be Mbappe over Rodrygo at all unless Rodrygo is injured.

 

Alls signs point towards another guess by marca being utterly wrong

 

Wasn't it mentioned that Carlo is going with the side that started the final? Minus the Nacho and Kroos of course.

 

Bellingham trains without the cumbersome protection on his left shoulder that accompanied him almost all year.

https://www.marca.com/futbol/real-madrid/2024/08/11/66b885caca4741bc4f8b45ab.html

 

How did it miraculously heal? Injections?

 

I think we usually have a seperate thread for UEFA Super Cup as well.

 

I have never seen him training with that thing. He uses it only in games. We will see on 14. if he really has stopped using it.

 

Brahim had it during games as well. It was visible when he took his shirt off after goal vs Atlético in Super Cup. Maybe there's a reason why players don't want surgeries for shoulder issue.

For all we know, fatigue and ankle injury contributed to Bellingham's drop in form last season than shoulder issue.

 

Jude only got 2-3 weeks away from the field between the end of Euros and when he reported for preseason training. I don't think that fatigue problem is going away. It's just gonna have to be managed. Anybody thinking the bulk of these guys are coming in "fresh" is fooling themselves I think.

 

We added a goal machine like Mbappe and Guler had a good last few months, Brahim also not the bit part player he was at the start of last season. Carlo should give Bellingham enough rest.

 

I’ll be there, ready for duty

 

Endrick just ghosted past Lucas lol.

Jude dummy and Mbappe easy finish. I think we're going to see a lot of those this season (easy finishes).

 

I think that was Ceballos.

 

I’m starting to warm up to the notion that, while I don’t like it for Tchouameni if he’s playing a ton of CB, the domino effect to follow could be positive.

Aurelian in the back line likely means Bellingham will have to play deeper, which means more minutes for Rodrygo, Guler, Brahim, and Endrick.

 

If Bellingham plays as AM like Carlo has mentioned in recent interviews, more like 4-2-3-1 or 4-2-2-2. Camavinga and Fede double pivot.

❗️Expected Real Madrid XI:

Courtois, Carvajal, Militao, Rüdiger, Mendy, Camavinga, Bellingham, Valverde, Vinicius, Mbappé y Rodrygo. @marca

— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) August 12, 2024

 

I hope or I believe that Camavinga is capable of handling the majority of defensive responsibilities in the midfield. While Kroos relies on a defensive partner like Casemiro or Tchou to excel as a deep-lying playmaker, Camavinga can do it himself. He already surpasses both Kroos (or Xabi Alonso before Kroos) in defensive prowess. But for the new-look midfield to function effectively, Camavinga must elevate his passing abilities, particularly in executing long or sideways passes, a skill at which Kroos and Xabi Alonso were among the best ever in the game. It will be a tough act to follow. If Camavinga cannot master this aspect to effectively dictate the game's tempo, the midfield may encounter difficulties. England looked disconnected in Euro 2024 because Trent Arnold Alexander failed to connect in the deep role, forcing Bellingham to drop deeper. Rice is very much liked Tchou. Then, their forward line became isolated. I don't mind Bellingham to drop deep, but not too deep. For Real Madrid, he should have a free role while Fede can serve as the shuttler or runner.

PS: Having experienced the era when Beckham operated as a central midfielder, my football philosophy has always revolved around that specific area in front of the centerbacks. Beckham struggled in the role of a deep lying playmaker and showed limitations in his defensive abilities. Kroos and Casemiro completely changed Real Madrid. They actually gave Modric a much freer role. And if Camavinga can become both Casemiro and Kroos, then, we are set for the next 6 to 8 seasons. While I hold great respect for defensive-minded midfielders like Casemiro, Tchou, and the likes of Makelele from previous eras, I believe that the upcoming generation of defensive midfielders should possess a more versatile skill set as all-round players. Tchou'rs future might be a defender (Of course, I have been calling for additional central defenders since before Yoro joined Manchester United).