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Keylor Navas
(Photo credit JAVIER SORIANO/AFP/Getty Images)

After so many years chasing a top goalkeeper, Real Madrid signed Thibaut Courtois from Chelsea. Now Los Blancos two of the best goalkeepers of the world fighting for one position and it will be Julen Lopetegui’s call to decide which one should play. It will be polemic no matter what he decides but both will fight for minutes.

David De Gea, Alisson Becker, Kepa Arrizabalaga… The list of wished goalkeepers is very long. Finally Florentino Pérez has tied Courtois and put some pressure on Lopetegui’s shoulders. At the moment of the signing there were five goalkeepers in the squad -Keylor Navas, Thibaut Courtois, Kiko Casilla, Enzo Zidane and Andryi Lunin- although not all stay at Bernabéu. But the real battle will be between Courtois and Navas, who will play?

Perhaps Lopetegui will split the games between the two great goalkeepers. Carlo Ancelotti decided to give Casillas the Champions League and the Cup and Keylor Navas to play La Liga. It was long time ago, but perhaps Julen decides something similar to give importance to both goalkeepers.

Keylor Navas said after Courtois’ signing that he will never leave the club. The Costa Rican is use to fight for his role with Los Blancos and during the years he survived. Besides, Navas is at the top of his career with Real Madrid after winning three straight Champions League titles with unforgettable performances like the one against Bayern Munich at Bernabéu in the semi-finals of 2018. Real Madrid supporters also love him, so he will have many minutes and the right to fight for a position in the starting eleven.

However, the competition will be tougher than ever. Kiko Casilla or Iker Casillas at the end of his career were no rivals for Keylor Navas, but Courtois was named best goalkeeper in the last World Cup and he has shown great skills in his years at Chelsea and Atlético Madrid. Together with Oblak and Neuer he’s considered the best goalkeeper of the world.

Which one would you choose as the main goalkeeper?

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eriksen

The transfer window in the English Premier League slammed shut on August 9th, meaning that clubs could no longer purchase players. But, to the delight of teams in Europe, players can be bought from the Premier League up until August 31st. This has led to a Premier League star landing in the crosshairs of Real Madrid.

Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur have a good transfer relationship: if Real want, Real get – but at a greatly inflated price. Luka Modric was snapped up for around £30 million in 2012/13, while Gareth Bale moved for £90 million a year later.

Despite the emergence of Harry Kane as the league’s best striker, Real Madrid have since left Spurs alone, for the most part. Having the level-headed, not so frivolous Zinedine Zidane as the head coach most likely had a hand in this. Now, Real are back to their big spending ways and have their eyes set on adding another Spurs star to their ranks.

Real Madrid pursue Christian Eriksen

Source: Transfer News Live, via Twitter
According to multiple sources including The Sportsman, Real Madrid are in pursuit of signing creative attacking midfielder Christian Eriksen from Tottenham Hotspur after losing Mateo Kovacic and potentially seeing the back of Luka Modric.

Christian Eriksen has been one of Tottenham’s most influential players over the last few years. The Dane has pulled the strings in midfield and laid precise passes into the path of Harry Kane to boost the Englishman’s scoring. The two work very well together, and some question if Kane’s meteoric rise would have been so grand without such a talented playmaker behind him.

So, it should come as no surprise that Real Madrid want another creative spark after losing a goal scoring veteran in Cristiano Ronaldo and potentially the playmaking veteran in Modric. However, with the English window shut, there’s no chance of Tottenham signing a replacement – should an extravagant fee be settled on.

Recruit from within or sign a replacement?

Source: The Ninety Two, via Twitter
Whether it’s before the European deadline or in January, if Real wants Eriksen enough, they’ll get him. So, the question falls on Tottenham as to what they’d do with the gaping hole in midfield.

For the time-being, Dele Alli could sit behind Harry Kane and Heung-min Son could take up a more regular starting eleven role on the left. It could be a bit soon, but given Mauricio Pochettino’s record, 21-year-old Josh Onomah could get a bump in playing time in the role behind the striker.

If Spurs get the money that’s rumoured to be offered for Christian Eriksen – around £175 million – they will be urged to make a signing. Without a single transfer in the summer, a move for someone like Ryan Sessegnon would be the hope. Sessegnon somehow stayed with Fulham in the summer, but as they’re at 2/1 in the Premier League relegation odds, he may opt to avoid the drop via a transfer if the opportunity comes in January.

Another regular transfer link to Spurs is Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha, but he recently signed a new five-year contract, so might be harder to prize away from the club. If it’s more of a central playmaker that Tottenham want, they could pursue the versatile Nabil Fekir or Real Madrid’s fallback option in Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.

Even if Real Madrid were willing to flash enough cash to get Daniel Levy to consider the move, it likely wouldn’t come into play until January, when Tottenham can sign a replacement. Spurs’ dry summer will only add to their staunch no-sell stance.

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Luka Modric, the master-playmaker whose skills saw him take Croatia to the semi-final of the World Cup, is the latest Real Madrid player to attract speculation about a possible move away from Los Blancos.

The 33-year-old has two left to run on his current contract with Real, but according to one source, the president of the club, Florentino Perez, is said to be trying to avoid a face-to-face meeting with the Croatian.

The reason for Perez’s reticence for such a meeting is being put down to speculation that Modric wants to emulate Cristiano Ronaldo with a move to Italy and Serie A – namely to Inter Milan.

As far as the Inter Milan manager Luciano Spalletti is concerned, in a recent interview with Goal, he said that he was not hopeful of a deal being agreed this summer that would see the midfielder playing football at the San Siro stadium. He is of the opinion that Modric will stay with Los Blancos until the end of the new season.

If Inter Milan do however harbour hopes of signing Modric, they don’t have much time left. The transfer window for Italy’s Serie A closes this Friday the 17th August, ahead of La Liga’s close which doesn’t happen until the 31st of August. In the meantime, if Perez continues to put off meeting with Modric he only has to continue his prevarications until the end of the week.

Whilst there may be an element of truth in the rumour that Modric wants to leave, it is also thought in some schools that as Croatian’s contract is nearing its end, albeit in two years’ time, the talented midfielder could simply be looking to negotiate a more lucrative deal in the autumn of his career.

It’s not at all unusual for players’ agents to mix things up ahead of forthcoming season as they look to secure the best deals for the players represent and of course, line their own pockets in the process too.

In this particular instance, they will be all too well aware of the possible pressure that Real could be under following Ronaldo’s exit and the surprise resignation of Zinedine Zidane. There has also been talk of Sergio Ramos wanting to make a move too, so Modric’s agent could be just trying his luck.

Although no youngster, the 33-year-old Modric still has a great deal to offer. He would play a key role in Real Madrid’s campaign to secure a third, consecutive UEFA Champions League title.

In the meantime, Modric has returned to training after his exertions in the World Cup. He didn’t figure in Real’s last pre-season game against AC Milan, (the Santiago Bernabéu Trophy) which Los Blancos won by three goals to one. He is however expected to start in the upcoming UEFA Super Cup final, where they face Atletico, in Talin, Estonia on Wednesday the 15th of August.

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Atlético Madrid finally got revenge and beat Real Madrid in an European competition. After having lost two Champions League finals and one semi-finals, the “Rojiblancos” were able to comeback and win (2-4) the European Supercup in the extra time at Tallinn against Real Madrid, who had many things to improve in the season.

The game couldn’t start worst for Los Blancos who received the first goal in the first minute. Diego Costa fought against Sergio Ramos and Varane, who commit many mistakes during the whole game, and shot Keylor Navas, who was unable to save it. It was time for a new comeback. And Real Madrid started playing better, with Atlético Madrid focused in defending. Asensio could score a great goal but Oblak saved it. Few minutes later, Benzema headed a great cross from Gareth Bale, who was the leader of the team. The Frenchman continues scoring in this start of the season.

In the second half, Sergio Ramos put Los Blancos ahead in the scoreboard thanks to a penalty committed by Juanfran with a handball. Real Madrid had their third straight European Supercup hold by the hand, but the disaster arrived. A new defense error, this time was Marcelo, allowed Diego Costa to draw the match in the 79th minute. Then, the extra time arrived and Saúl and Koke nailed the victory for Los Rojiblancos.

Real Madrid didn’t know how to react after the goal scored by Diego Costa and the substitution weren’t better. Dani Ceballos, Lucas Vázquez and Luka Modric came in into the pitch but they didn’t take control of the midfield. The defense was the worst part of the team and Lopetegui couldn’t find solutions on the bench to improve the attacking line. Many things to improve after Zidane and Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure. Meanwhile, Florentino Pérez continues with the idea of no signing any new player, but this squad needs to be reinforce if Real Madrid want to compete with Barcelona and Atlético Madrid.

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Real Madrid's German midfielder Toni Kroos celebrates after scoringduring the Spanish league football match between Real Madrid CF and Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on February 10, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / GABRIEL BOUYS (Photo credit should read GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images)

Real Madrid players are already in Tallin (Estonia) to try to win the first title of the year. They will face Atlético Madrid on Wednesday 15th of August in the final (21:00, CET) of the European Supercup. It will be the first time that two teams of the same city play this important trophy in August. Julen Lopetegui has his first important test as Real Madrid manager against Cholo Simeone, one of the best managers in Europe.

The pre-season friendlies give some optimism to the squad. Los Blancos lost against Manchester United in the first test of the summer, but beat Roma, Juventus and Milan in the other three friendly games. Besides, the team has played good minutes and we could see Gareth Bale as the new leader of the club. Hopefully, we can see the same performance on Wednesday to bring the new trophy home.

Los Blancos beat Sevilla last year in the trophy, as they did in 2015, so they are looking forward to winning the fifth European Supercup of the history, the same trophies won by FC Barcelona and Milan, leaders in this competition. Atlético Madrid have won the two Supercups played, and they have signed very good players, so it will be a very tough game.

The “Rojiblancos” arrive to Estonia with one of the best squads in their history. The signings of Gelson Martins, Thomas Lemar or Rodri made them stronger, especially when Antoine Griezmann announced that he stayed in the Spanish capital. Together with Diego Costa, Saúl or Koke, Atlético Madrid have a really strong squad and they will fight for all the titles this season.

On the other hand, Los Blancos have only signed Odriozola and Courtois, at least to compete with the current players. The right back is injured, so he won’t play his first official game with Real Madrid and Carvajal will be the defender. On the other hand, Keylor Navas should start in the goal, as a prize for winning the Champions League last year. Jesús Vallejo is also injured and we will have to wait to see if Modric would start the game, because he joined the trainings later than his colleagues.

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Gareth Bale

The last test of the pre-season finished with a good victory against AC Milan in the Santiago Bernabéu Trophy (3-1). The next important game will be against Atlético Madrid on the 15th of August in the European Supercup at Tallinn. So far, Julen Lopetegui can be happy because Los Blancos are showing a good level in August despite not having the best footballers ready.

It was the first game without Cristiano Ronaldo at Santiago Bernabéu and nothing happened. As it was expected the supporters were happy to see their team again and, especially, they good enjoy Luka Modric, whose future was on hold after the rumours linking him to Inter Milan. The Golden Ball of the last World Cup played his first minutes this season and received a big applause from the supporters.

Talking about football, Lopetegui will trust the BBA this start of the season. So Benzema and Gareth Bale will be the attacking couple and Asensio will help them. The first two scored the first two goals of the game and the Spaniard played a very good game. He has to improve and take his opportunities because this must be his season.

In the midfield we could see Ceballos, Casemiro and Toni Kroos, but Luka Modric will need some space. Obviously we are just in August and there are some footballers who need to improve, like Marcelo, who showed a poor level. The one who is back with the same quality as last season is Keylor Navas, who made a couple of great saves. This year he has a big competitor with Thibaut Courtois, but he will fight for a position in the starting eleven. The Costa Rican couldn’t avoid the goal scored by Gonzalo Higuaín, who was cheered by Real Madrid supporters.

We also had the chance to see Vinicius Junior for the very first time at Santiago Bernabéu. He played only the last 15 minutes but he deserved much more as he showed great quality with his dribblings. Also Borja Mayoral played some minutes and scored the last goal. The team is ready to fight for the first trophy of the season.

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thibaut-courtois

Real Madrid have confirmed the signing of Thibaut Courtois from Chelsea for a transfer fee of €35M. Los Blues have agreed a new deal with Kepa Arrizabalaga for €80M, giving Courtoid the opportunity to finally leave London. The Belgian goalkeeper was unveiled this Thursday at Santiago Bernabéu stadium accompanied by Florentino Pérez and lots of supporters.

Finally, Real Madrid could sign the goalkeeper they will fetching for many years. Keylor Navas has a tough competitor and the level of the toughest position gets higher with two of the best goalies in the world. Now Lopetegui has to decide how to deal with these two stars for just one position in the field.

Florentino Pérez was very happy to unveil Courtois: “Today we welcome the best goalkeeper of the World Cup. Today we welcome Thibaut Courtois. You are with us, as you wished, for your work, pace and quality. One of the best goalkeepers of the world, if not the best, crucial for the third position of Belgium in Russia, being the best goalkeeper of the World Cup. This signing is inside the strategy of the club to face a competitive scene in this sport”, the president commented.

Courtois also gave his first speech as Real Madrid player: “Thanks to the president for this words and everybody who is here. Today I accomplish a dream. Only the people who know me know how much I worked for being here. Thanks to Real Madrid, it wasn’t easy. I gave everything during my whole career. Since today I can put the illusion I had as a child with the admiration I felt for the players arriving to this stadium. Today I’m one of you, one madridista more and I want to be ready for the history of the club and its values. Thank you and Hala Madrid”, the player said.

Courtois said several times that he wanted to play in the Spanish capital because his two kids live in Madrid. Now he accomplished a dream after playing for Atlético Madrid three years on loan. He actually was the goalkeeper in the 10th Champions League trophy won by Los Blancos with the unforgettable header of Sergio Ramos.

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Maradona: Real Madrid Should Sell Gareth Bale

The big storm in New Jersey delayed but not cancelled the last game of the RM Tour in the United States. Los Blancos played against Roma in the ICC and they got the last victory (2-1) in the best game so far during the pre-season friendly matches. Lopetegui can be happy about the development of the team, but the club needs to reinforce the squad after Kovacic departure.

With Cristiano Ronaldo gone, all the responsibility goes to Gareth Bale. The Welshman is happy to take on his shoulders the pressure and he’s been one of the best players during the RM Tour. Against Roma, Bale gave an amazing assist to Marco Asensio in the first minutes of the games and the Spaniard didn’t miss. If Asensio is the top scorer that Real Madrid need?

Only few minutes later, Bale took the ball as a right winger, came to the centre of the attack and score the second goal of the team. Let’s hope that the injuries don’t visit Bale this year because the Welshman is ready to make a step forward and show his quality to Real Madrid supporters. Meanwhile, Lopetegui still awaits for Benzema, who should appear more during the games.

The coach could be happy because Los Blancos played a great game, especially in the first half. They could score more goals, but with all the substitution, the team got worse in the second half and Roma had chances to score the goal until Kevin Strootman found the net. At least, we could see some youngsters and, especially, Vinicius Junior, who also made some good dribbling at Metlife in New Jersey.

Just after the game, Lopetegui asked the club to sign new players if Kovacic finally leaves. Los Blancos need to reinforce the squad, because the coach doesn’t have as many players as Zidane had last year. The most important thing now is to convince Modric to continue at the club and get ready to the European Supercup in only one week time.

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asensio-LasPalmas-GI

Real Madrid got the first victory of the season after beating (3-1) Juventus in the US Tour after the defeat against Manchester United (2-1). We cannot come with many conclusions about this new Real Madrid but there are players who are called to be very important in the new era. One of them is Marco Asensio, who scored the two decisive goals playing as a striker, another formula for Lopetegui.

It wasn’t the most enjoyable game of the year but Lopetegui can learn many things. He chose to put in the line-up many young players and some youngsters like Aguilón, who is doing a good job in the pre-season and could stay in the squad as a substitute for Marcelo. Besides, we saw again Dani Ceballos, who did a good job and Bale and Benzema as the two strikers of the team.

Los Blancos didn’t start very well and Juventus took the lead thanks to a goal scored in own goal by Dani Carvajal. Cristiano Ronaldo couldn’t play the game because he is still training at Torino with the other colleagues who played the World Cup, so unfortunately we didn’t have the picture of CR7 against his former club.

Real Madrid got the draw just before the half time thanks to a great goal scored by Gareth Bale with a shot from outside the box. Everything changed after the half-time, when Lopetegui introduced many changes, including Vinicius Junior and Marco Asensio as a striker. The Brazilian was again a very important player and he gave a perfect assist to Asensio to score the 2-1. Real Madrid supporters have big hopes in Vinicius and we can understand why.

The Spaniard also closed the scoreboard after a great dribbling to give Lopetegui his first victory as a coach. However, we can’t say many things yet about this new team and we need to see many important players like Sergio Ramos or Marcelo in the squad to come with a conclusion. What it’s true is that we are going to see a team with a high pressure and less concentrated in one player, but behaving as a team.The 15th of August is drawing near, where we could see a real image of this team.

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Real Madrid bosses have always said that the players who don’t want to play anymore for the club should leave. However, Florentino Pérez has now shut the door to Luka Modric’ departure to Inter Milan: “We will ask for €750M, not one euro less”, the president told the Spanish press. Meanwhile, the player’s agent is putting some pressure on Inter Milan to try an impossible signing.

After losing Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid cannot afford to let go another key player in the squad. And now Luka Modric could be thinking about leaving the club to seek new challenges. According to the information published by Gazzetta dello Sport, Modric will speak with Florentino Pérez to ask for his permission to leave the club. What should Florentino do?

Modric is 33 years old, but perhaps he’s at the best moment in his career. He just lead his national team to the final of the World Cup, winning the Golden Ball award of the tournament. With Real Madrid Modric is also showing a great quality and he performed a perfect show in the Champions League final against Liverpool, both defensive and offensive. He is perhaps the best midfielder of the world right now, but, given his age, can Real Madrid get money for him and buy another younger star?

The problem is that there aren’t many players in the market and for sure none with his quality. The president has always said that at Real Madrid play the footballers that want to end up in the club. And all the others should leave the Spanish capital if they are not happy. Now everything has changed because the club won’t let Modric go so easily. Actually, they are even thinking on giving him a pay rise after his great years. His contract ends in 2020. The situation is very similar to what happened with Cristiano Ronaldo but this time the club has decided not to meet the player requirements.

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