https://footviser.com Till the final whistle Sun, 04 Oct 2020 07:17:40 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.4.2 https://footviser.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/cropped-favicon-1-32x32.png
https://footviser.com 32 32
https://footviser.com/analytical/real-madrid-squad-preview/ https://footviser.com/analytical/real-madrid-squad-preview/#respond Ratnadeep Mukherjee Sun, 20 Sep 2020 17:18:38 +0000 Analytical Featured La Liga Real Madrid https://footviser.com/?p=3013 Zinedine Zidane is one of the most loved managers by Real Madrid supporters in the current era. The French legend took the club to the next level by his managerial skills. He created a humongous record of winning a trophy in every 19 games. He managed the star-studded dressing room of Los Blancos and led […]
Zinedine Zidane is one of the most loved managers by Real Madrid supporters in the current era. The French legend took the club to the next level by his managerial skills. He created a humongous record of winning a trophy in every 19 games . He managed the star-studded dressing room of Los Blancos and led them to the path of success. He had won 3 UEFA Champions League s , 2 La Liga, 2 Club World Cups, and 2 UEFA Super Cups . He left the club in a peak of success. But the situation changed drastically and he was forced to return after a bad spell of Julien Lopetegui and Santiago Solari .
Zidane is one of the best managers in recent times. His Madrid side has experienced immense success. His main USP is his fluidity in tactics and team selection. He is not rigid with his game style and can change it with the availability of players. But this season he might face challenges as the squad is aging and some of the players had been transferred or loaned out to other clubs. Today we will look at the Real Madrid squad preview and how can they lineup in this season and what are the best formations this season.
Real Madrid has some of the best players in each and every position. But along with that, they have some severe problems. Some positions are heavily overcrowded while others lack options. Positions like Central Defensive Midfielder and Right Back lack options. They also need a goal – scoring number 9 . Keeping these in mind we can say Madrid can face some challenges while choosing a team and formation. So up next in this Real Madrid squad preview, we will be looking at the formations which Zinedine Zidane is most likely to use in the upcoming season.
This is the most used formation by Zinadine Zidane in the previous season. This formation allows using both Luka Modric and Toni Kroos. It also allows Madrid to control the midfield and gives a distinct advantage against high pressing sides. Both Modric and Kroos can absorb the press and open up opponent defense easily. Fede Valverde and Martin Odegaard can also be as options and that will open a whole new playstyle for Madrid. Zidane can use the energy of Fede to carry the ball from defense while Odegaard will play as a hook to connect the attack.
This formation also provides defensive stability as Casemiro can drop in front of the two center-backs. Ramos and Varane will form the Center back pair while Mendy and Carvajal will form the two fullbacks. They will overlap and will provide width on either flank. The forward line will comprise of Benzema, Hazard, and Asensio. Benzema can drop to create space while Hazard and Asensio will drift inside. But this system has got some issues. As there is no goalscoring forward upfront so most of the chances created by the midfield are wasted. Secondly, in absence of Ramos, there is no other ball-playing defender on the side so the connection between defense and midfield and switch of flanks from the defense is interrupted. But still, it is expected that Real Madrid will line up mostly in this formation under their French gaffer.
With the inclusion of Martin Odegaard in the side, Zidane has now got the option of using some new style of play. 4-2-3-1 i s one of them. This formation can come very handy against low block sides as this includes either Isco or Odegaard as number 10 . Isco can also rejuvenate his form with this formation as this gives him the license to operate in the zone 14 areas . With Kroos and Casemiro in the central mid , this system also protects the number 10 against the high press. Kroos can provide his exceptional long balls for the forwards or attacking mids.
Using an attacking mid will also help both Hazard and Asensio as they can now use the pockets of space created in opponent defense to make a run. But this system also includes the same problem as before. As Benzema will also drop in the midfield and neither Hazard nor Asensio can play as an inverted forward so there will be a lack of men upfront. Defensively this formation is also stable as neither Kroos nor Casemiro will be needed to move up-front and they can support the defense.
Zinedine Zidane’s side is like a box of surprises. Though in this Real Madrid squad preview, we have discussed the lineups most frequently used by Zidane, it is very hard to predict how he can lineup before every matchday. His fluidity in tactics gives his side an extra edge over his opponents. The above-mentioned formations are the two best systems for his side considering the type of players he got. But it is possible that he uses neither of these two this season. After all, it is all inside his head and no one can guess it perfectly for the whole season. We are blessed to watch this tactical genius in his growing phase. He has the potential to finish as one of the most successful managers of Real Madrid, a legendary figure who will be in the hearts of every Madridista.
Liked our tactical analysis of how the Real Madrid squad can lineup for the 2020/21 season? Read more of such tactical analysis based on the latest transfers to the new season below
What’s your opinion on this Real Madrid squad preview? Let us know in the comment section below.
For more of football’s greatest stories, visit our Facebook page . Also, follow us on Instagram and Twitter for quick updates, and subscribe to Footviser .
https://footviser.com/analytical/real-madrid-squad-preview/feed/ 0https://footviser.com/transfer/sergio-reguilon-joins-tottenham/ https://footviser.com/transfer/sergio-reguilon-joins-tottenham/#respond Sayan Banerjee Sat, 19 Sep 2020 16:49:21 +0000 Confirmed Transfer EPL La Liga Real Madrid Tottenham https://footviser.com/?p=4661 After much speculation, the Sergio Reguilon transfer saga has finally come to a close as Sergio Reguilon joins Tottenham on a permanent deal. The Spanish full-back has signed a 5-year deal with the Premier League outfit. Initially Manchester United was leading the race but they stepped back because of the buy-back clause that Real Madrid […]
After much speculation, the Sergio Reguilon transfer saga has finally come to a close as Sergio Reguilon joins Tottenham on a permanent deal. The Spanish full-back has signed a 5-year deal with the Premier League outfit. Initially Manchester United was leading the race but they stepped back because of the buy-back clause that Real Madrid wanted to implement into the contract paper. Tottenham agreed to the terms and conditions of Real Madrid and went through the deal and now Sergio Reguilon joins Tottenham on a permanent deal. The deal was announced by Spurs across their website as well as their social media accounts.
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) September 19, 2020
#HolaReguilón
As Sergio Reguilon joins Tottenham, the premier league club will pay around £30 Million to Real Madrid as they complete a 5 year deal for the Spanish full-back. Real Madrid has implemented both the buy-back clause (around £ 40-45 million ) and the pre-emption clause. This means if any club makes a bid for Reguilon in the next years, Tottenham must call Real Madrid and check whether they can match the bid. The main people involved in making the done deal were Kia Joorabchian and Borja Couce.
Just in: Sergio Reguilon to Tottenham, here we go soon! The agreement has been reached on last few hours with Real Madrid for €30m as final fee. Reguilon agreed personal terms with Spurs and accepted to join also after talks with #MUFC . Only paperworks to be signed.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 16, 2020
#THFC
Now that Sergio Reguilon joins Tottenham, let’s have a look at his career. Reguilon joined the La Fabrica in 2003. Later on, he joined the Real Madrid youth setup in 2005. He came out as an academy graduate on 5th August 2015 and was loaned to Segunda Division B team UD Logrones for that season. He made his debut on 23rd August 2015 in a 3-0 win against SD Compostella. The next January he returned to Madrid where he joined the reserves team – Castilla .
Again in August 2016, he was loaned to UD Logrones where he was a regular starter and also scored 8 goals during that season. Upon returning to the Castilla side once again he was a regular starting XI player for Santiago Solari ‘s side. That year he was promoted to the main team by Julen Lopetegui. He made his debut for the senior side in a UEFA Champions League match against CSKA Moscow that resulted in a 1-0 loss for Los Blancos. He made his LaLiga debut against Real Vallodolid on 3rd November 2018 in a 2-0 win. The next season he was loaned to Sevilla where he won the UEFA Europa League 2019/20. Reguilon made his Spanish senior team debut on 6th September 2020, against Ukraine in a 4-0 win for the Spaniards in UEFA Nations League .
Reguilon has been exceptionally well this season with Sevilla. Mourinho ‘s tactics of overlapping full-backs will suit him perfectly and that would help create chances for Tottenham from wider areas. The wide play at the flanks would increase with the arrival of the Spaniard and would give the London side an extra thump.
He is an ideal modern-day left-back with some serious pace. His ability to move up and down the pitch is extraordinary. His ability to track back is great. Last season he assisted four times for Sevilla. Tottenham will be possessing a great threat with deep-lying players like Reguilon and Aurier.
Tottenham finished at 6th place last season and will be playing UEFA Europa League qualifiers which are not acceptable from a club like Tottenham Hotspurs. So Jose Mourinho along with Daniel Levy is looking to introduce players like Reguilon and Bale to bring the glory days back to the London side. Fans are excited about this signing and are hopeful for some top-class display of football.
What’s your opinion as Sergio Reguilon joins Tottenham? Let us know in the comment section below.
For more of football’s greatest stories, visit our Facebook page . Also, follow us on Instagram and Twitter for quick updates, and subscribe to Footviser .
https://footviser.com/transfer/sergio-reguilon-joins-tottenham/feed/ 0https://footviser.com/transfer/gareth-bale-joins-tottenham-spurs/ https://footviser.com/transfer/gareth-bale-joins-tottenham-spurs/#respond Swagata Roy Fri, 18 Sep 2020 17:52:46 +0000 Confirmed Transfer EPL La Liga Real Madrid Tottenham https://footviser.com/?p=4607 The biggest headline of the transfer market is here as Gareth Bale joins Tottenham. Jose Mourinho is looking forward to making his team stronger and brings in the players who are suitable for his counter-attacking tactics. He has already signed wing-back like Matt Doherty. But surprisingly without any speculation, former spurs and current Real Madrid […]
The biggest headline of the transfer market is here as Gareth Bale joins Tottenham . Jose Mourinho is looking forward to making his team stronger and brings in the players who are suitable for his counter-attacking tactics. He has already signed wing-back like Matt Doherty . But surprisingly without any speculation, former spurs and current Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale to Tottenham deal is done. Jose Mourinho himself approved the deal and is keen to work with Bale. The club has announced it on their official website as well as social media.
Bale. Is. Back.
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) September 19, 2020
Welcome home, @GarethBale11#BaleIsBack
Gareth Bale is returning to his former club by a loan move. Spurs have agreed to a one-year loan deal with Real Madrid by sharing his wage equally. Bale will have his medical soon and join the club according to the Journalist Fabrizio Romano .
Gareth Bale to Tottenham, here we go! Last details to be sorted about salary [shared with Real Madrid] and Gareth will fly tomorrow to London. He’ll complete medicals and join #THFC – one year loan. Mourinho approved the deal. Reguilon expected for tomorrow too [100% done].
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 17, 2020
Now that Gareth Bale joins Tottenham on a loan deal, let’s have a look at his career. The Welshman has started his career at Southampton Academy on season 2006/07 . But he joined Tottenham next year for about 12 million Pounds , which was very good money for a young player at that moment. Bale started to grow himself from the grounds of White Hart Lane .
Gareth Bale joins Tottenham where it all started for him to improve his career and become a star on the field. He amazed everybody associated with the club with his attributes. But surprisingly he started his career as a Left-Back . Also, he played as Left Midfielder sometimes. He played just 12 matches with Tottenham first season but won that season’s PFA Young Player of the season .
He improved massively as Left-back but also played as Left Winger . He won his first silverware, The Carabao Cup as a Spurs player in 2008. He improved himself day by day. Moreover, he was changing his position and improving as a forward. Day by day he was transforming into a beast. His pace and finishing were absolutely transformed. He became one of the most prolific forward of the Premier League at that moment. His pace and passing at the wing made problems for many defenders. Gareth Bale won the PFA Player of the Year award in 2012 . He also won PFA Young Player of The Year in 2013 for the second time in his career. He played 203 matches for Tottenham, scored 56 goals, and provided 58 assists.
Former Tottenham manager and under whom Bale transformed himself, Harry Redknapp also praised Gareth Bale. He expressed his concerns about his defending ability and clarified his thoughts that why he decided to use him as a winger . Bale was one of the greatest, according to the English manager.
“Gareth seemed too soft to be a defender so we decided to try him further forward. He was always getting a little knock in training, too. He’d go down then limp off, and I always thought the physios made too much fuss of him. It was the same pattern every morning: Gareth would tumble and stay there, and they’d all go running over. In the end, I told them just to leave him alone. He improved and transformed himself. He was amazing. The way the boy can run and run and run against a right-back just tremendous. He has great ability. He not only has pace but can run and run all day. He’s got the ability to cross the ball with the left foot. He’s got the ability to shoot and to dribble and to head. He’s got everything. He is also a great lad, believe you me.”
Harry Redknapp, former Tottenham manager
Gareth Bale joined Real Madrid on season 2013/14 for about a 88 Million Pounds . He continued his form there also. He polished his attributes more and more day by day. His runs across the wing, passing, and also finishing helped Real Madrid’s forward line to perform better and better. His partnership with Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo (known as B-B-C ) became one of the most dangerous trios in world football. This trio made gigantic problems in front of the opponent’s defense.
Gareth Bale has won everything with Real Madrid. He won the Copa Del Rey and also the UEFA Champions League title in his first season in Real Madrid. He won 2 La Liga , 3 more UEFA Champions League , 3 UEFA Super Cup, 4 FIFA Club World-Cup Championship, and 1 Spanish Super Cup . He scored 2 goals in the 2018/19 UEFA Champions League Final against Liverpool and secured Real Madrid’s record 13 th UEFA Champions League title. He made his mark here too. He played 251 matches for Real Madrid, scored 105 goals , and provided 68 assists .
But certainly, everything has been changed. His injury made a huge problem for his career. Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane actually took him out of his plans. Bale also showed some unhealthy attitudes toward the club, which the Los Blancos fans have not taken well. His chances were going down day by day. Zidane expressed his concerns regarding Bale and told that the winger was unhappy at the club.
“When he is available, which is the most important thing, he is fine. T he pity is that the other day he hurt his ankle and he is now unavailable. He is as unhappy about it as anyone, he would like to be with us, to train and play, but it’s a small thing. There is a good dynamic, all the players are desperate to wear the badge of Real Madrid. They all have their own history but I don’t see that as a bad thing. It is true Gareth has had some injuries and you can’t do anything about that. You can think what you want but when I am with him, what he wants is to be available, to be with the team.”
Z inedine Zidane, Real Madrid manager
Gareth Bale also told that his relationship with Zidane was not “ The Best ” which should be. He also made concerns regarding his future in Madrid.
“ He didn’t talk to me about it—I still haven’t spoken to him since. Our relationship was good. I wouldn’t say we were best mates, it was just a normal professional relationship. I was really frustrated not to start. I’d played pretty well since coming back from the last little niggle I’d had in December. I scored five goals in my last four league games of the season and felt like I deserved to be involved from the start . I was desperate to get onto that pitch. When I ran on I was still a bit angry, and that’s probably why I did what I did next. I’ve watched the goal back a couple of times. I didn’t feel like I had a point to prove—I wanted to do it for myself and the team. If you play in any final you want to be going home with the trophy, no matter what it takes. If it meant waiting to come on for the last 30 minutes, so be it. “
Gareth Bale , regarding his failure to start at 2018/19 Champions League Final
Now that Gareth Bale joins Tottenham, what does he bring to the table? Gareth Bale can easily fulfill Jose Mourinho ‘s demand to play fast and counter-attacking football as previously mentioned. His defensive attributes are still not so bad. The only concern is his injury. But still, Bale can give many things to this Spurs team if he can play his game with his attributes and style .
What is your opinion as Gareth Bale joins Tottenham? Let us know in the comment section below.
For more transfer news and updates, visit our Facebook page . Also, follow us on Instagram and Twitter for quick updates, and subscribe to Footviser .
https://footviser.com/transfer/gareth-bale-joins-tottenham-spurs/feed/ 0https://footviser.com/history/luka-modric-the-midfield-maestro/ https://footviser.com/history/luka-modric-the-midfield-maestro/#respond Surojit Maitra Tue, 08 Sep 2020 20:28:00 +0000 History Player EPL Featured La Liga On This Day Real Madrid Tottenham https://footviser.com/?p=4193 Luka Modric will be remembered in the history of modern football as the one who ended the decade long domination of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as the best footballer of the planet. Born on 9th September 1985, Luka established himself among the best footballers of his country as well as his current club Real […]
Luka Modric will be remembered in the history of modern football as the one who ended the decade long domination of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as the best footballer of the planet. Born on 9th September 1985, Luka established himself among the best footballers of his country as well as his current club Real Madrid. A midfielder who has class, style, and that X-factor by which someone can change the course of a football match in the blink of an eye. Let’s tale a look at the journey of one of the best midfielders to grace the beautiful game.
Born in Zadar, Modric’s childhood was shattered by the Croatian War of Independence which displaced his family. But the war couldn’t snatch away the dream of young Luka to become a professional footballer. In 1996, at the age of 11, he joined his hometown club NK Zadar ‘s youth system. After four years he moved to the capital as Croatian giants Dinamo Zagreb signed him from the Zadar club. After one season playing in Zagreb’s youth team, he was promoted to their senior team in 2003.
After being promoted to the senior team in 2003, Luka Modric became an integral member of the Zagreb outfit as he put large contributions in their development. As a result of that, he signed his first long term contract of ten years in the 2005-05 season and helped them to win the Croatian league . The very next season he put similar contributions and Zagreb successfully defended their title. As a reward, Modric won the Prva HNL Player of the Year award . During the 2007-08 season, he helped his team to complete a hat trick of league titles as well as securing their place in the UEFA Europa League group stage. After four years of immense success and glory, Modric waved a tumultuous farewell to the Zagreb fans before moving to take the next step in his career.
In the summer of 2008 , Luka Modric moved to England to sign for fellow Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur . But he made a slow start to his Spurs career after picking up a knee injury that sidelined him for weeks. He was even labeled as ‘light-weight’ for the Premier League by some sections of British media and rival manager Arsene Wenger .
Critics push you forward to show people they are wrong. Maybe I look lightweight but I am a really strong person mentally and physically, and I never had any problems with my size.
Luka Modric about the ongoing criticism in Media in 2008
After the departure of Spurs manager Juande Ramos, Harry Redknapp took charge of the North London club and Modric found new life in his struggling career. He was given a more familiar role as a central or left-sided midfielder , allowing him to have more influence on the team and use his footballing talent more productively, for example in a 4–4 draw with arch-rivals Arsenal on 29 October. He scored his first competitive goal for Spurs in a 2–2 draw against Spartak Moscow during the UEFA Europa League group stages on 18 December 2008. He scored his first Premier League goals against Newcastle United in an away defeat on 21 December. Using Modrić in his former position from his Dinamo days made him more effective with performances against Stoke City, Hull City, and most notably on 21 March when he scored the only goal in a win against Chelsea .
[He’s] a hell of a player and a manager’s dream, so I am told. He trains like a demon and never complains, will work with and without the ball on the field and can beat a defender with a trick or with a pass. He could get into any team in the top four.
Former Spurs manager Harry Redknapp on Modric in 2009
In mid-2011, Modrić was heavily pursued by Tottenham’s London rivals Chelsea, who made the first bid of £22 million, which they increased to £27 million, both of which were rejected by Spurs chairman Daniel Levy . After the failed bids, Luka Modrić announced he would welcome a move across London and that he had a “gentleman’s agreement” with Levy the club would entertain offers from a “big club”. Speculation continued throughout the summer transfer window, culminating in Modrić refusing to play in Tottenham’s opening match of the 2011–12 season against Manchester United, which ended in a 3–0 loss. Modrić said his “head was not in the right place” as he continued to force a move to Chelsea.
On the final day of the transfer window, Chelsea made an offer of £40 million that was again rejected. After failing to secure a transfer, Spurs manager Harry Redknapp told Modrić to focus on his playing and named him as a starter. On 18 September, he scored his first goal of the season for Tottenham with a shot from 25 yds (23 m) in a 4–0 home win against Liverpool . On 14 January 2012, Modrić scored the only goal in a home draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers . On 31 January in a 3–1 win against Wigan Athletic , he assisted for the first goal with a crossfield pass and scored the second from 20 yds (18 m). For the third time that season, he was included in “ Team of the Week “. Modrić scored his last goal for Tottenham on 2 May in a 1–4 away win against Bolton Wanderers with a powerful volley from 25 yds (23 m). He finally left Spurs in the 2012 summer transfer window for Spanish giants Real Madrid after scoring 17 goals in 159 appearances for the North London outfits.
After joined the Royal Whites, he made his Madrid debut against Barcelona in the second leg final of the 2012 Supercopa de España at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium , replacing Mesut Özil in the 83rd minute. Madrid won the match, giving Modrić his first trophy with the club 36 hours after his signing was announced. Despite his positive debut, Modrić at first struggled to settle into the team under manager José Mourinho because of his lack of pre-season training, which he missed as a result of his ongoing transfer negotiations. The transfer was even labeled as one of the ‘Worst’ transfers in La Liga history by a survey of Madrid based newspaper Marca. In 2013 with the arrival of new manager Carlo Ancelotti , Modrić became one of the most frequent starters in the team, being partnered in midfield with Xabi Alonso to provide a balance of defense and attack. He was consistently the team’s most efficient passer, averaging 90% accuracy in La Liga, and also having the most ball recoveries among the squad. Modric played a pivotal role in securing the long-desired ‘ la Decima ‘(10th Champions League title) for the Madrid club in 2014. After having a barren 2014-15 season, Real Madrid went on to win a hat trick of Champions League titles from 2016 to 2018 along with their 33rd La Liga title in the 2016-17 season and Modric was instrumental along with fellow midfield partner Toni Kroos during the journey.
2018 will remain as the Golden year in Modric’s sumptuous career when he won the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year Award and The Best FIFA Men’s Player Award in August and September while in December, he added the Ballon d’Or to his personal tally, making the first time since 2007 that the award was not won by Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo , which polarized the people involved in the sport into two camps about the credibility of the award. Furthermore, besides becoming the first Croatian player to win these awards, Modrić was the first player to win both the World Cup Golden Ball and the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year Award in the same year since Ronaldo de Lima in 1998 .
It shows that we all can become the best with hard work, dedication, and belief, all dreams can come true.
Luka Modric after winning FIFA Best player award in 2018
After Zinedine Zidane left in 2018 Real Madrid saw a turmoil in their club with several managerial changes and every one of them eventually failed even the like of Julen Lopetegui. The 2018-19 season wasn’t great for the Royal Whites as they couldn’t even get the 2nd spot in La Liga table and endured a shambolic defeat at the hands of Ajax in front of their home crowd in the Champions League round of 16. At the start of the 2019-20 season, Zidane returned to steady the ship, and not only did he kept the things going but also started to win match after match with his tactical brilliance and a midfield combined of Modric, Kroos and Casemiro played a pivotal role in securing Madrid’s 34th Liga title.
Luka Modrić began his international career at the youth level, playing for the Croatian under-15, under-17, under-18, under-19, and under-21 teams. He debuted in March 2001 for the under-15 team coached by Martin Novoselac . Modrić made his full international debut for Croatia on 1 March 2006 in a friendly match against Argentina in Basel, which Croatia won 3–2. Modrić made two appearances at the 2006 FIFA World Cup finals as a substitute in the group fixtures against Japan and Australia. With the appointment of new manager Slaven Bilić , Modrić earned greater recognition at the international level; he scored his first goal in Croatia’s 2–0 friendly win over Italy on 16 August 2006 in Livorno. Modrić scored Croatia’s first goal of Euro 2008 , converting a penalty in the fourth minute of their 1–0 victory against host Austria on 8 June 2008.
In the quarter-final against Turkey , Modrić made a cross to teammate Ivan Klasnić for the first goal of the match with one minute of extra time remaining, but Semih Şentürk almost immediately equalized for Turkey. In the ensuing penalty shootout, Modrić’s kick was off-target and he failed to score the first penalty and Turkey won the shootout 3–1. At the end of the competition, Modrić was included in the UEFA Team of the Tournament , becoming only the second Croatian to achieve this honor after Davor Šuker . Croatia entered in 2014 FIFA World Cup with hosts Brazil, Mexico, and Cameroon in Group A. Croatia played the opening match against Brazil, which they lost 3–1 and Modrić sustained a minor foot injury. In the second match, Croatia won 4–0 against Cameroon but did not progress to the knockout stage after losing 3–1 to Mexico.
In the 2018 World Cup , Luka Modric scored his trademark long ranger goal against Argentina in their 2nd group game and took them to the knockouts. In the round of 16 against Denmark with the score tied at 1–1 , Modrić created a goalscoring opportunity for Ante Rebić in the second half of extra-time, who was brought down in the penalty area; Modrić proceeded to take the penalty, but his strike was saved by Kasper Schmeichel. However, Modrić managed to score his spot-kick during the ensuing penalty shoot-out and Croatia advanced to the next round following a 3–2 victory on penalties . In the quarter-finals against hosts Russia, Modrić provided an assist in extra-time for defender Domagoj Vida from a corner kick, and once again scored in the victorious penalty shoot-out following a 2–2 draw; he was named Man of the Match for the third time in the tournament .
In the semi-final against England on 11 July, Croatia advanced to the World Cup final for the first time in their history following a 2–1 victory in extra time. It was reported two days before the final match that Modrić ran the most miles out of any player and was third by created chances, as well had most dribbles per match and completed passes in the opponent’s half in his team. Croatia was beaten 4–2 by France in the final on 15 July but Luka Modrić was deservedly awarded the Golden Ball as the best player of the tournament and was included in the team of the tournament. After the squad’s huge welcome in Zagreb, Modrić and his teammates were welcomed by tens of thousands of people in his hometown of Zadar.
Luka Modrić married Vanja Bosnić in May 2010 in Zagreb in a private ceremony after four years of dating. Their son, Ivano, was born on 6 June 2010 and their daughter, Ema , was born on 25 April 2013. Their second daughter, Sofia, was born on 2 October 2017. Modrić generally maintains a low profile outside of football. In addition to his native Croatian, Modrić also speaks English and Spanish and is Roman Catholic by religious views. In late 2019, Modrić released his autobiography Moja igra (My Game) , co-written by a prominent Croatian sports journalist Robert Matteson.
We wish him a very happy birthday and lots of success in his future career ahead.
What’s your opinion about Luka Modric as a player ? Let us know in the comment section below.
For more of football’s greatest stories, visit our Facebook page . A lso, follow us on Instagram and Twitter for quick updates, and subscribe to Footviser .
https://footviser.com/history/luka-modric-the-midfield-maestro/feed/ 0https://footviser.com/transfer/james-rodriguez-to-everton/ https://footviser.com/transfer/james-rodriguez-to-everton/#respond Swagata Roy Wed, 02 Sep 2020 08:03:19 +0000 Confirmed Transfer EPL Everton La Liga Real Madrid https://footviser.com/?p=4081 After signing Allan from Napoli, Carlo Ancelotti has bagged his second signing of this summer as James Rodriguez to Everton is a done deal. Everton was working to seal the deal for a long time and finally reached an agreement with Real Madrid. Carlo Ancelotti himself called his old student several times to convince him […]
After signing Allan from Napoli , Carlo Ancelotti has bagged his second signing of this summer as James Rodriguez to Everton is a done deal. Everton was working to seal the deal for a long time and finally reached an agreement with Real Madrid . Carlo Ancelotti himself called his old student several times to convince him to join the club. And finally, the deal is done. The club has confirmed it on their official website as well as on social media.
— Everton (@Everton) September 7, 2020
| It's official… @jamesdrodriguez is a Blue!
#AlóJames pic.twitter.com/hNDsLvtqtT
Everton will pay around 25 Million Pounds to Real Madrid for this deal as James Rodriguez to Everton gets done. The player will sign a contract to stay at the club till June 2023 . Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that Carlo Ancelotti was the key man to get this deal done as soon as it could be.
Medicals scheduled for James Rodriguez as new Everton player. Paperworks completed between #EFC and Real Madrid. Ancelotti called him so many times… key man to get the Colombian star
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 2, 2020
James Rodriguez started his career at the Colombian club Envigado academy in 2006/07 . After a 1-year spell, he joined the Argentine club CA Banfield academy. He got the chance to play for the senior team in the 2008/09 season. He played there brilliantly and also won the 2008/09 Argentine League , which was the first major of his career. His ability and playing skills helped him to get into Europe as he signed for FC Porto next year.
James Rodriguez joined Portuguese giant Porto from Banfield for 7.5 Million Euros . He got a massive chance to enhance his abilities and skills there. James Rodriguez won the Portuguese league in the first season with Porto. He also won the Portuguese super cup that season. But most importantly he won the UEFA Europa League that season which was his first major European honor. He stayed there till the 2013/14 season. He won another two league titles, one Portuguese cup, and 4 more Portuguese Super cup at Porto. He played 108 matches at Porto, scored 32 goals, and provided 41 assists. He mainly played as a central attacking midfielder at Porto and attracted other big clubs with his attributes and style of playing.
Rodriguez then joined French club Monaco for about 45 Million Euros ahead of the 2013/14 season. He stayed there for one year. But within just one year he showed everybody what kind of player he is. He played 38 matches for AS Monaco, scored 10 goals, and provide 14 assists. Monaco manager that moment Claudio Ranieri also praised James for his attacking attributes and playing style but also told that he has to improve his defensive quality.
“James is a great player. Something happens when he has the ball. He can play on the wing but I think that he is better behind the Striker. But he thinks like an attacker, but he has to defend to. He can become one of the greatest of the world in future.”
Claudio Ranieri, Former Monaco manager
Real Madrid signed James Rodriguez from Monaco for about 63 Million Euros . He joined the Los Blancos in the 2014/15 season. Ancelotti was very much hopeful about the player and James did not disappoint him. He showed his style and skills during the first season with Real Madrid. Rodriguez won the 2014/15 UEFA Super Cup and 2014 FIFA Club World cup under him. Later he won other silverware with Real Madrid. James Rodriguez won one more super cup and FIFA Club World Cup and also 2 La Liga, 1 Copa Del Rey, and most importantly 2 UEFA Champions League title . He played 125 matches for Real Madrid, scored 31 goals, and provided 37 assists.
Ancelotti always loves to work with James. He also expressed this desire when he was at Napoli. Finally, his desire is going to be fulfilled as James Rodriguez to Everton is done.
“He is a player I know well and he is true quality. Unfortunately, he is not a Napoli player yet…maybe he never will be, or maybe he will! Let’s talk about James once he becomes a Napoli player, as we do with other players. If today a manager from another club spoke about a Napoli player, I wouldn’t be happy.”
Carlo Ancelotti, about James Rodriguez to Napoli possibility
Rodriguez was later loaned to Bayern Munich where he spent two years. He won two Bundesliga title, 1 DFB pokal and 2 German super cups.
Carlo Ancelotti was very much keen to sign at least two Box to Box midfielders and a Central attacking midfielder for this season. So a player like James Rodriguez can surely give him that flexibility at that central attacking midfielder position. He has also improved his defending and his attacking attributes are still amazing. Manager Carlo Ancelotti can hope that his former student will again fulfill his expectations like the past.
What is your opinion on James Rodriguez to Everton? Let us know in the comment section below.
For more transfer news and updates, visit our Facebook page . Also, follow us on Instagram and Twitter for quick updates, and subscribe to Footviser .
https://footviser.com/transfer/james-rodriguez-to-everton/feed/ 0https://footviser.com/editorial/martin-odegaard-at-real-madrid/ https://footviser.com/editorial/martin-odegaard-at-real-madrid/#respond Rahul Kundu Thu, 20 Aug 2020 17:34:53 +0000 Analytical Editorial La Liga Real Madrid https://footviser.com/?p=3654 La Liga fans can see Odegaard at Real Madrid in next season, as Florentino Perez is planning to call back their extremely talented loanee from Real Sociedad. Here is our short article about Odegaard’s journey from 2015, and finally on his way to earning a starting XI spot in the Royal White jersey. Martin Odegaard […]
La Liga fans can see Odegaard at Real Madrid in next season, as Florentino Perez is planning to call back their extremely talented loanee from Real Sociedad. Here is our short article about Odegaard’s journey from 2015, and finally on his way to earning a starting XI spot in the Royal White jersey.
In 2015, Real Madrid C.F . signed a 16 years old Norwegian young talent, named Martin Odegaard . Glimpses of his performances, in the Eredivisie with Arnhem , was enough for Madridistas have huge expectations. So, it was obvious that everyone was expecting him to deliver good performances quickly, but getting used to in a club like Real Madrid at such a young age, is a tough job. Not only the new ambience and playing style but the media attention that came with Odegaard’s move were further obstacles that he needed to overcome.
Odegaard had immense talent, but his future was uncertain at that time. It was important to release that immense pressure from his mind so that he could enjoy the game again. That is why Real Madrid did send him to various clubs one after another. These moves were just to give him the freedom to enjoy the football again so that he can deliver his best again.
His spells at SC Heerenveen and Vitesse weren’t eye-catching, but they helped him to grow his personality as a footballer and as a human being. In the last summer, Real Sociedad had asked for his loan move. So the Madrid board decided to allow Odegaard so that he could have a taste of football in La Liga. It was his loan spell to Real Sociedad for the 2019/20 season which did catch the eye. He scored four goals and assisted six in the league last campaign helped guide Real Sociedad to a sixth-placed finish.
Signing a player of Odegaard’s quality is a luxury to many European top teams. Real Madrid had already made it clear that they would not make any signings due to the entire COVID-19 situation. It makes sense to recall their loanee who had an impressive last season to strengthen their midfield.
With Luka Modric now 34 years old, and would turn 35 by the time the season starts, his responsibilities at the club will be less significant than previous years. Zidane has noticed the need to inject fresh blood, dynamism and quality into the midfield. Zidane coached Odegaard at Real Madrid Castilla in 2015 where the midfielder played 25 games under Zidane’s watchful eye. There’s no doubt that he knows Odegaard’s quality and even throughout the current season, Zidane was questioned about Odegaard and if he watches his performances. Zidane always replied positively that he’s optimistic about Odegaard.
“Zidane has asked management to return Odegaard almost a month ago, but the club believes that Modric’s presence could impact the Norwegian’s playing time and he should only return to start. The Frenchman has informed them that he will have a more important role than Modric within the team. The club felt Martin needed to stay one more season at Sociedad, but Zidane’s guarantees changed everything”
Onda Cero
Odegaard is well-known by playing at a central position or on the wings and is characterized by decisive passes, and calmness on the ball, and calmly comes out from under pressure. Odegaard has provided 9 assists this season, 6 in the league, 3 in the cup. Moreover, he has scored 7 goals this season, 4 in the league & 3 in the cup. In Real Madrid, there are only two players, who have more decisive passes than him in the league, Benzema (8), Modric (7). In terms of big chances created , only Benzema is ahead of him. Also, for key passes per game, he ranks 3rd in La Liga , only losing out to Messi and Canales. Real Madrid have lacked creativity in the build-up this season, so Odegaard is expected to solve that problem.
Odegaard was responsible for taking free kicks and corner kicks when he played for Real Madrid Castilla, and with teams, he played on loan. But those tasks at Real Madrid are entrusted to Modric and Kroos , and it is expected these tasks will be up to Odegaard in the future. As well as the accuracy of the passes, he was 84% accurate out of 1439 passes in 36 games in the league and cup. And therefore he has (39.9) successful passes per match, where he has beaten Isco (34.9), and Valverde (30) this season.
Odegaard may not necessarily start every game with Zidane’s rotation policy as well as Madrid’s squad depth, but he is exactly what they need. In Zidane’s 4-3-3 system, he may be tasked with more responsibilities, but with Casemiro behind him, he will get the freedom to push forward and do what he does the best: create . He can even play in a no.10 role just behind the striker in a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-4-2 diamond formation. He is often seen by fans as an heir to the midfield maestro Luka Modric . Only time will tell us whether and how Martin Odegaard proves his worth at Real Madrid.
Are you delighted to see Martin Odegaard at Real Madrid? Let us know in the comment section below.
For more tactical analysis of matches, visit our Facebook page . Also, follow us on Instagram and Twitter for quick updates .
https://footviser.com/editorial/martin-odegaard-at-real-madrid/feed/ 0https://footviser.com/news/iker-casillas-announces-retirement/ https://footviser.com/news/iker-casillas-announces-retirement/#respond Swapnel Das Tue, 04 Aug 2020 12:50:22 +0000 News Featured La Liga Real Madrid UCL https://footviser.com/?p=2837 Former Real Madrid and Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas announces retirement from professional football. Popularly known as “San Iker” (“Saint Iker”) for his ability to produce spectacular saves, Casillas is widely regarded to be one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, and by some fans, as the greatest ever. He is known for his athleticism, […]
Former Real Madrid and Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas announces retirement from professional football . Popularly known as “ San Iker ” (“Saint Iker”) for his ability to produce spectacular saves, Casillas is widely regarded to be one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, and by some fans, as the greatest ever. He is known for his athleticism, quick reactions and outstanding shot-stopping ability. Having spent the majority of his career at Real Madrid , Casillas is one of the few players to achieve over 1000 professional career matches and holds the record for the most clean sheets in the history of the UEFA Champions League , as well as for the Spanish national team.
The important thing is the path you travel and the people who accompany you, not the destination to which it takes you, because that with work and effort, comes alone and I think I can say, without hesitation, that it has been the path and the dream destination. Gracias!
Iker Casillas announcing his retirement today
During his highly successful career at his boyhood club Real Madrid , Casillas won all major club titles, including 5 La Liga titles, 4 Supercopa de Espana titles, 2 Copa del Rey titles, 3 UEFA Champions leagues , 2 UEFA Super Cups , 1 Intercontinental Cup and 1 FIFA Club World Cup . After 25 years with Real Madrid , Casillas joined Portuguese side, FC Porto , in 2015 on a free transfer, where he won 2 Primeira Liga , 1 Taca de Portugal and a Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira title. In his total senior career (club and country combined), he has won 27 trophies . While at Porto, he broke the record for most consecutive seasons played in the UEFA Champions League (20) and amassed the most appearances in the competition (177). He ended his playing career in February 2020, after almost a year on the sidelines following a heart attack he suffered during a training session with Porto in May 2019.
With 167 international caps , Casillas has the 2nd most appearances for the Spanish national team , making him the joint 10th most capped footballer of all time. In 2008, he was made Spanish captain and went on to lead the team to the European Championship that year. Casillas also led Spain to their first-ever World Cup win in 2010, where he kept a joint–record 5 clean sheets, winning the Yashin Award for the best goalkeeper of the tournament. Spain became the first nation to retain the European Championship, winning the title again in 2012, where he set the record for most consecutive minutes without conceding a goal in the competition (509). In 2008, Casillas placed fourth overall in the Ballon d’Or and has been selected for the UEFA Team of the Year 6 consecutive times from 2007 to 2012, a record for a goalkeeper. Casillas was also selected in the FIFPro World XI a record 5 times for a goalkeeper and was named as the IFFHS World’s Best Goalkeeper a record 5 times , alongside Gianluigi Buffon. He was named as the second-best goalkeeper of the 21st century, behind Buffon, and the second-best goalkeeper of the past 25 years by the same organisation. Real Madrid posted a tribute video to their best ever Goalkeeper on their YouTube channel.
On 1 May 2019 , during Porto’s morning training session, Casillas was rushed to hospital after suffering a heart attack at the club’s training ground, where his situation was stabilized. That he won’t be able to play again and his footballing career has ended, was already confirmed in February 2020 . Today, finally Iker Casillas announces retirement from professional football on his Twitter handle after Porto ended their season with a domestic double.
According to numerous reports, Casillas will now join his boyhood club Real Madrid as an advisor to president Florentino Perez , thus being in touch with his favourite football club and fans again.
I’m a ‘Madridista’ right down to my soul, and above all else, what matters to me is the club.
Iker Casillas on Real Madrid
We wish the legendary Goalkeeper a great retirement and hope to see him back in touch with football again!
As Iker Casillas announces retirement, what are your thoughts on the legendary goalkeeper? Let us know your opinion in the comment section below.
For more of football’s greatest stories, visit our Facebook page . Also, follow us on Instagram and Twitter for quick updates .
https://footviser.com/news/iker-casillas-announces-retirement/feed/ 0https://footviser.com/analytical/4-3-3-formation-analysis/ https://footviser.com/analytical/4-3-3-formation-analysis/#respond Ratnadeep Mukherjee Sun, 02 Aug 2020 14:31:15 +0000 Analytical Formations Barcelona Featured Liverpool Real Madrid https://footviser.com/?p=2747 Football tactics and formations have evolved a lot with time. From eleven players running with the ball towards the goal of pressing, counter-pressing, and playing positions football has taken a huge leap. These evolutions resulted in the implementation of various tactics and formations. The on and off paper formations also evolved gradually. From an orthodox […]
Football tactics and formations have evolved a lot with time. From eleven players running with the ball towards the goal of pressing, counter-pressing, and playing positions football has taken a huge leap. These evolutions resulted in the implementation of various tactics and formations. The on and off paper formations also evolved gradually. From an orthodox 2-3-5, 4-4-2 to 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1 and now 3-4-3, 3-2-4-1 football formations have gone through a revolutionary change. But still, now 4-3-3 remains one of the most stable formations on paper. Today we will discuss the various aspects of 4-3-3 formation.
Every variation of 4-3-3 requires more or less same players.
Variation of 4-3-3 formation occurs with the position of midfielders. Some team deploys two box to box midfielders or two creative midfielders . Some deploy 3 attacking-minded players instead of a Central Defensive Midfielders .
In modern football, some team uses false 9 or dropping forward instead of a proper striker. He drops down connecting with the midfield and the two wingers move centrally to form two forwards leaving the wings for fullbacks. The system then looks like a 4-4-2 diamond . This system is mainly seen in Klopp’s Liverpool.
Now Let’s first venture into the three basic types of the 4-3-3 Formation:
This is the most basic 4-3-3 formation . The midfield in this shape comprises of three central midfielders. They can be creative of Box to Box according to the team’s requirements. In 4-3-3 system players can attack both through the center or through the flanks. The central mids sometimes move to the flank depending on the opponent’s attacking preferences providing extra cover.
Like the other 4-3-3’s this also triggers high pressing and breaking an opponent’s defense on transition. But this variation is not matched in use in modern football due to less defensive covers. During overlapping of fullbacks, this system leaves a lot of space on the wing and if the midfielders drop to cover it then the opponent could break them outnumbering players in mid. This system is not much in use in current world football.
This system is widely used in top tier football. It mainly comprises of a Central Defensive Midfielder, a Box to Box, and a creative midfielder . Some teams like to use 2 box to box midfielders instead of a creative midfielder. The Central Defensive Midfielder shields the defense, marks opponent Central Attacking Midfielder and releases the pressure of the Center Back.
The midfield shapes like a triangle where the Central Defensive Midfielders stays at the bottom. The no.10 player mainly plays in a free role. He carries the ball forward exploit half spaces connect with wingers and forward and provide between the line balls. He orchestrates the whole attack. The Box to Box midfielder moves up and down with possession. He provides an extra man in attack. The fullbacks in this system can also overlap freely and during their overlap, the Central Defensive Midfielder covers the space left behind. This system lets teams play through the opponent press by creating passing triangles. This system favors both possession and counterattacking teams.
With the presence of a no 10 player, the forward also gets support in releasing second balls and creating space in between the defense. While defending this system becomes narrow with the Central Defensive Midfielder dropping in between two Centre Backs . This helps to nullify opponent attacks and start transitions with the help of speedy wingers and fullbacks. This formation is used widely. Klopp uses two number 8 variation while Guardiola and Zidane use the one no. 8 and one no. 10 variations .
This is the most attacking variation of the 4-3-3 system. The players are similar to the defensive variation. But the creative in this system becomes a full-fledged attacking midfielder . He operates in the zone 14 and joins the forwards with the mid. He generally stays near half line when the possession is lost to initiate counters.
He acts as the tip of the triangle. The base is formed by a defensive midfielder and a box to box midfielder. Sometimes Deep Lying Playmaker is also used instead of a box to box midfielder if the passing abilities of the defensive mid are not great. The wingers move inside providing space for the fullbacks to move forward. The ball movement mainly depends on the combination and creation passing triangles.
The midfielders often move in the half-space and exploit space in between Fullbacks and Central Backs. These teams mainly defend in a 5-3-2 shape blocking the mid. This formation is also much in use. Managers like Flick and Inzaghi uses this formation
Pep Guardiola and his Barcelona side played fluid tiki-taka following the 4-3-3 formation. It was one of the greatest teams of modern football which redefined the formation and mesmerized the whole world with their beautiful football.
Carlo Ancelotti delivered Real Madrid their La Decima , the Champions League after a 12 long year wait. They played ruthless counter-attacking football adapting the 4-3-3 formation
Jurgen Klopp and his Liverpool side brought home the Premier League to Anfield after a 30 long year wait. Their Gegenpressing style of football using the 4-3-3 formation helped them achieve this extraordinary feat.
Like every system, there are certain disadvantages of 4-3-3 Formation. But this is one of the most common football formations used. It is simple, less demanding and can be utilized in different ways. It gives stability to each and every department. That’s why it is still used by managers of the 21st century. So hope you liked the 4-3-3 Formation Analysis.
Have you liked our article on 4-3-3 Formation Analysis? Let us know in the comment section below.
For more of football’s greatest stories, visit our Facebook page . Also, follow us on Instagram and Twitter for quick updates.
https://footviser.com/analytical/4-3-3-formation-analysis/feed/ 0https://footviser.com/misc/la-liga-2019-20-season-overview/ https://footviser.com/misc/la-liga-2019-20-season-overview/#respond Rahul Kundu Wed, 22 Jul 2020 20:32:43 +0000 Misc Atletico Madrid Barcelona La Liga Real Madrid Sevilla UCL https://footviser.com/?p=2365 The 89th La Liga season has ended on 20th July, 2020. Here is our exclusive summary of La Liga 2019-20. After the 2016-17 season, Real Madrid won the La Liga in this season. It was a very special season for them. It had started on the 16th of August, 2019. On 12th March 2020, the […]
The 89th La Liga season has ended on 20th July, 2020. Here is our exclusive summary of La Liga 2019-20.
After the 2016-17 season, Real Madrid won the La Liga in this season. It was a very special season for them. It had started on the 16th of August, 2019. On 12th March 2020, the League and the Segunda division were suspended for at least two months due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The season recommenced on the 11th of June, with matches being played every day till 13th of July, while all games in the penultimate round were played on 16th of July and the last round took place on 19th of July. On 16th of July, Real Madrid won the league for a record 34th time with one match remaining after defeating Villarreal 2-1.
A total of 20 teams have participated in the league season, where 17 sides were present from the 2018-19 season and 3 teams were promoted from the 2018-19 Segunda division. These include the two top teams from that division and the winners of the playoffs.
First goal of the season
: Aritz Aduriz for Atletico Bilbao against Barcelona.
Last goal of the season
: Coke for Levante against Getafe.
The Trofeo Pichichi is awarded by the Spanish sports newspaper Marca to the top goalscorer of each La Liga season. Lionel Messi has won his seventh Pichichi in this season being the top goalscorer of this season, creates a record in La Liga history.
— MARCA (@marca) July 21, 2020
¡¡El único con 7 Pichichis en la HISTORIA de LaLiga!!⠀
Lo que nos lleva a la eterna pregunta: ¿GOAT o no GOAT?
pic.twitter.com/WhUCM1M19Y
The Zamora trophy is also awarded by Marca to the goalkeeper with the lowest goals to games ratio. In this season, Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois has won this award for the 3rd time in his career, two times as an Atletico Madrid player & this time as a Real Madrid player. He had the lowest (0.59) ratio of goals-to-games in the whole league.
La Liga has two big giants, Barcelona and Real Madrid. They dominated the league and played pleasing football. Atletico De Madrid ‘s consistency along with Diego Martinez’s Granada, Imanol Alguacil’s Real Sociedad and Javi Calleja’s Villarreal played appealing football throughout the year. Further down the table, It was newly-promoted Osasuna who played a fantastic brand of football under Jogoba Arrasate and made Barcelona drop points twice in the season since the 2002/03 season. Los Rojillos veritably were an entertaining team to watch. Levante ‘s defence did let the team down, but the attack was enough to win games against Barcelona and Real in the same season.
For Julen Lopetegui’s Sevilla , it was a superb season that could have gone way better if they kept it together at the end. Finally, a little mention to Javier Aguirre’s Leganes, who was the 12th best team based on form after the Mexican set foot at Butarque. They were dead last when he found them, with only 5 points. But while they couldn’t escape relegation, they fought until the last second against all odds and circumstances.
La Liga 2019-20 was a platform for the rise of the brightest stars for the new era of football. Martin Odegaard, Ansu Fati, Federico Valverde and many young talented players have performed exceptionally well. Marca had presented a squad named as “The eleven ‘revelation’ of the season”.
But the journey was not the same for everyone. Some talented players have disappointed throughout the season. Here is a squad, compiled by MARCA which contains eleven players, who have been pretty average this season.
Thus, La Liga 2019-20 has came to an end on 20th July. We have to wait until September to watch La Liga again. The 2020-21 La Liga season will begin on 12 September, 2020. We hope La Liga 2020-21 will be more competitive, entertaining and a better tournament than this season.
What are your thoughts about La Liga 2019-20 season? Let us know in the comment section below.
For more of football’s greatest stories, editorials, news, and reports,visit our Facebook page . Also, follow us on Instagram and Twitter for quick updates.
https://footviser.com/misc/la-liga-2019-20-season-overview/feed/ 0https://footviser.com/editorial/real-madrid-are-la-liga-champions/ https://footviser.com/editorial/real-madrid-are-la-liga-champions/#respond Archak Mukherjee Fri, 17 Jul 2020 08:13:33 +0000 Editorial History League Featured La Liga Real Madrid https://footviser.com/?p=2210 Real Madrid are La Liga Champions for the season 2019-20 after they won against Villareal 2-1 at Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano on Thursday night. Karim Benzema opened the scoresheet for Madrid scoring from an assist by Luka Modric. The second goal was also scored by him with a dramatic penalty on 77th minute. Karim Benzema […]
Real Madrid are La Liga Champions for the season 2019-20 after they won against Villareal 2-1 at Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano on Thursday night. Karim Benzema opened the scoresheet for Madrid scoring from an assist by Luka Modric . The second goal was also scored by him with a dramatic penalty on 77th minute . Karim Benzema who has been phenomenal this season has scored 21 goals in La Liga and is now 2 goals behind Lionel Messi from being the top scorer of La Liga. There was a chance of some last-minute drama when Vicente Iborra scored with a stunning header for Villareal on the 83rd minute, and Thibaut Courtois had to do two brilliant saves to secure the victory. However, as it turned out, Real would have been Champions irrespective of the result as Barcelona lost to Osasun a at the Camp Nou as well.
— Real Madrid C.F.
WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!
(@realmadriden) July 16, 2020
Before the Covid-19 break, Real Madrid were sitting second on the table, two points behind leaders Barcelona. Real Madrid post the Covid-19 break won consecutive 10 matches to win the title while Barca failed to keep up the tempo. Barcelona dropped points against Sevilla, Celta Vigo and Atletico Madrid after the break, on the other hand, Real Madrid won all of their matches and took a 4 points lead before the match against Villareal. Real Madrid needed two points from remaining two matches to secure the title, but Zinedine Zidane made sure they win the trophy on matchday 37. Zidane made it clear on the pre-match press conference that his team is only focused to win and they will do everything for it
“We’re here for one thing; to win tomorrow’s game. That’s what motivates us and we prepare for that, nothing more. Tomorrow we’re going to go out to give it our all, like we do in every game, and our opponents will do the same. We have to focus on tomorrow’s match, it’s going to be tough”
Zinedine Zidane on Press Conference before Villareal match
From the first minute, their attitude in the game was very clear, and they wanted nothing but victory. Madrid created consecutive chances and dominated the match in the opposition final third. The breakthrough arrived on 29th minute with Benzema’s goal following a great ball recovery by Casemiro and then great play by Luka Modric , who assisted Benzema.
The second goal was scored in rather dramatic fashion following another ball recovery, this time by Captain Sergio Ramos who ran forward smelling blood, and was brought down in the penalty box, resulting in a penalty in favour of Madrid . Ramos took the penalty and tried a Cryuff as he passed it to Benzema to put it away. However, referee Hernandez Hernandez ordered the penalty to be retaken, this time Benzema took it and scored. It seemed as if the team wanted to help Benzema get closer to Messi in the Pichichi race , and deservingly so. Madridistas all around the world were eagerly waiting for the match to end and started celebrating right after the goal from Benzema. The trophy was already brought at Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano before the match by the representatives of RFEF, and Real Madrid was presented with the trophy after their victory.
As Real Madrid are La Liga Champions once again, this is their record-extending 34th La Liga title and 2nd for Zinedine Zidane as Real Madrid manager . In his second spell as Madrid manager, Zidane has again won the La Liga on his first full season, just like he did in his first spell when Real Madrid won their 33rd title in 2016/17.
After a horrible performance last season Real Madrid finished the league at 3rd position, 19 points behind winners FC Barcelona and 8 points behind their city rival Atletico Madrid. They were also knocked out by Ajax from Champions League in Round of 16 and lost in Copa Del Rey semi-final by arch-rival Barcelona. Real Madrid suffered a lot after the departure of their talisman Cristiano Ronaldo and manager Zinedine Zidane before the beginning of 2018/19 season. Madrid giants appointed two managers – Julen Lopetegui and Santiago Solari before Zidane returned to the dugout in March 2019. Real Madrid suffered from inconsistency, injuries, lack of confidence and the fans were getting impatient. Even when Zidane was reappointed as the manager at the end of the season, they were already out of Champions League and Copa Del Rey and they had no hope to win La Liga either. It was already about the next season, which was 2019-20.
However, from the beginning of this season Zidane he made it very clear that his primary objective will be to win the league title . As a part of the re-building project, Los Blancos made some big money signings including Eden Hazard, Luca Jovic and Ferland Mendy . Zidane suffered a set back when one of their key player Marco Asensio suffered an ACL rupture during pre-season and got out of the game for almost 10 months. Their marque signing Eden Hazard was also injured before the beginning of the season. Real Madrid started the season with a 3-1 away victory against Celta Vigo . Their initial matches were full of ups and downs, where the Madrid boss was trying to find out the best starting line up and the team was not settled yet. One of the biggest problems was the inconsistency of their first choice Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois . Courtois displayed poor performance in his first season 2018/19 as well and his mistakes cost Real Madrid many points. Madrid fans were obviously not too happy with him and were asking for a change. However, proving their doubters and haters wrong, Real Madrid are La Liga Champions currently. Let’s take a look at how the mastermind Zidane took his team to the title this season.
The first masterstroke by Zizou was to help Courtois recover his best form and bring out the performance that made him World Cup Golden Gloves winner in 2018. In order to do so, Zidane realised that Courtois wasn’t being able to adapt with Real Madrid’s style of playing with a high defensive line. So the Madrid boss first adjusted his teams’ defence line to suit with Courtois’s playing style . Courtois is a great shot-stopper, but his outing technique had some flaws that lead him to concede many goals, which eventually settled when Real Madrid started to play with a low defensive line. Zidane also included Ferland Mendy in the Left Back position replacing Marcelo. Marcelo was not that strong in defence recently and giving too much space on the left side, which was being exploited by the opponents on the counter. Inclusion of Mendy provided defensive solidity that overall improved Real Madrid’s defensive record this season. With these changes, Real Madrid conceded just 23 goals in 37 matches so far, which is the best defensive record in La Liga as well as in top 5 European leagues this season. Also, Thibaut Courtois has conceded just 20 goals in 33 appearances in La Liga while he managed to keep 18 clean sheets and is now almost has the Zamora Trophy in his grabs. Solid defence was key to this success as Real Madrid are La Liga Champions this time without the goal-machine Cristiano Ronaldo.
Another important tactical change by Zidane was including Federico Valverde in the starting line up. At the beginning of the season, Zidane replaced Luka Modric by Fede Valverde in the starting XI. Modric is 34 years old, and Zidane realised he doesn’t possess the stamina to play full time in every match. Instead, he opted to use Modric as super-sub or in selective matches. On the other hand, Valverde showed a strong performance throughout the season, whenever he got the opportunity. His playing style is completely different from Modric, and he offered more energy on the pitch. Valverde played as a box to box midfielder who provided more defensive support than Modric and contributed in attack as well. With this change, Modric got enough rest and Zidane could also use him to start in selective matches or bring him on the field in the second half where he delivered world-class performance – which was missing last season due to the lack of rest.
However, after the COVID-19 break, Valverde couldn’t continue his form like the first half of the season, and Modric rose to the occassion as he was world-class in pretty much every match. He created many scoring opportunities, as well as providing defensive support.
The last and most important trick by Zidane was to rotate his squad efficiently . Instead of many injury problems throughout the season, Zidane managed to keep the performance of his team always high. While Madrid’s new no. 7 Eden Hazard has been in and out of the squad due to multiple injuries throughout the season, Zidane used two youngsters Vinicius and Rodrygo to fill the gap. Vinicius, who had shown a lot of promises during last season and Rodrygo who joined the team this season has been great for the team and performed whenever the team required. Zidane pretty much used every player he had available, whenever he could. Real Madrid had 21 different scorers in La Liga this season, that’s a record in a top 5 European Leagues for the season. That just proves the great squad depth of Real Madrid, which was utilised well by Zidane.
Coming a long way from being disastrous last season, now Real Madrid are La Liga Champions. But there is still a long way to go for Zinedine Zidane and his boys, as we expect so much more from them. After Zidane took the charge of Madrid’s dressing room last season, he stated that this team needs rebuilding and it is gonna take a while. With the key players of team like Ramos, Modric, Benzema, Marcelo are at their thirties, Real Madrid is looking forward to building a squad for future. Which is why they have concentrated on signing promising young players from different parts of the world. Vinicius, Rodrygo, Jovic, Kubo, Renier, Valverde, Odegaard, Mendy, Militao are all part of that plan, and so far it has been great seeing them. With the big-money signing of Kylian Mbappe still very much possible, and signing Eduardo Camavinga from Rennes will likely be the next step in terms of signings. However, there will be no big signings this window, president Florentino Perez has confirmed as they tackle the Covid-19 crisis. They are currently going through a sort of transition period and Zinedine Zidane is the best man to handle the transition. But winning the La Liga title on the first season of this transition is a great achievement, even by their standards. With still one match left to play in La Liga, Zidane would probably like to rotate the squad again on next match and give a chance to players like Brahim Diaz, Mariano or James Rodriguez who has played comparatively fewer matches this season. Nonetheless, they still have a UEFA Champions League title to fight for and Zidane surely would like to recheck all the weapons in his arsenal before the Champions League match.
Real Madrid will face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on 7th August in UCL Round of 16 return leg, where they have to make a comeback against Pep Guardiola ‘s team. Real Madrid suffered a 1-2 defeat at home in the first leg. After a La Liga victory, Zidane would surely eye the European title, which he has done so often, in fact, he has never been eliminated from the UCL in his managerial career so far. He would certainly like to extend that record.
What are your thoughts as Real Madrid are La Liga Champions? Let us know in the comment section below.
For more of football’s greatest stories, visit our Facebook page . Also, follow us on Instagram and Twitter for quick updates.
https://footviser.com/editorial/real-madrid-are-la-liga-champions/feed/ 0