Friday, 31 July 2015

Kiko Casilla Super Show

Kiko Casilla Rumours continue to fly about Real Madrid's pursuit of Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea, according to Spanish newspaper AS. But current incumbent Kiko Casilla has done his own claim for the No. 1 shirt no harm with two fine saves before scoring and saving the decisive penalties in Real's win over AC Milan. First up, the 28-year-old signed from Espanyol this summer leapt across his goal to palm over a stinging Carlos...

Tuesday, 28 July 2015

Comparing Gareth Bale's 2014/15 Statistics to his 2013/14 Statistics: What do they tell us?

Gareth Bale When Gareth Bale signed for a world record fee (depending on which sources you read) for Real Madrid in 2013, everyone knew that Los Blancos were getting an enormous talent. In the beginning however, Bale struggled with injury and inconsistency that led up to a terrible El Clasico performance. With the media calling for his head, the Welshman showed great strength of character to bounce back and become one of the top 5 players in the...

Monday, 27 July 2015

Comparing Ronaldo’s 2014/15 statistics to his 2013/14 statistics: What do they tell us?

Cristiano Ronaldo Footballers constantly undergo evolution from the moment they start kicking a ball till the moment they retire. Each year in a footballer’s development represents a change in the way a footballer approaches and plays the game. However some points in their development stand out more than others. For Cristiano Ronaldo, some of them would be his step up to the Sporting first team (after bypassing all their youth sides in the...

Real Madrid vs. Inter Milan: Things Learned from International Champions Cup

Jese The International Champions Cup continued in China on Monday (July 27) as Real Madrid beat Inter Milan 3-0 in Guangzhou. Jese Rodriguez scored the first goal after a nice piece of control inside the box, drilling home at the near post, before Raphael Varane swept home from close range in the second half. James Rodriguez wrapped things up with a perfect late free-kick and the scoreline could have been even wider if not for some excellent...

Sunday, 26 July 2015

Kiko Casilla, Keylor Navas are Real Madrid's options with no David De Gea

Real Madrid goal keepers After a decade without giving a single thought as to who would start in goal for Real Madrid, the 10-time European Champions have found the No.1 jersey a tricky one to fill in recent seasons. The name of Iker Casillas was almost pre-written onto every Madrid teamsheet between 2002 and 2012. Cesar briefly sent the recently departed shot-stopper to the bench in 2002 before Jose Mourinho infamously dropped the club legend...

Reasons why Real Madrid must have faith in Jesé

Jese Unlike last season, Madrid finally have a squad with depth and must avoid making unnecessary signings. The summer transfer window tends to be an exciting time for Madridistas. Rumours usually indicate a big signing to add gloss to an already star-studded Madrid squad. So far this summer however, Madrid have abstained from making typically flashy signings. Danilo, while by no means a cheap addition, is not a Galactico. Kiko Casilla, Marco...

3 takeaways from Real Madrid's 4-1 win against Manchester City

Cristiano Ronaldo Real Madrid kicked the game off really badly. Manchester City dominated the possession throughout the first 15 minutes, but then Benítez's players started to show some more creativity to control the game and dismantle City for good. A convincing 4-1 win for Los Blancos. 3 takeaways Isco is ready to convince Benítez. Isco and James will likely fight for a starting spot once the Colombian is back, but Isco is not willing...

Real Madrid strength in depth already better under Rafa Benitez

Rafael Benitez - Jese - Lucas Vasquez It is still too early to draw significant conclusions, but there are plenty of reasons for optimism after manager Rafa Benitez's Real Madrid side saw off Manchester City 4-1 on Friday in Melbourne, Australia. Aside from the obvious plus points -- a smiling Cristiano Ronaldo on the score sheet, Luka Modric back in the engine room, and a strong defence giving goalkeeper Keylor Navas a watching brief, for...

Friday, 24 July 2015

5 reasons why Real Madrid should not sell Sergio Ramos

The football world is going berserk following the emergence of news has emerged of Sergio Ramos’ intention to move to Manchester United. Whether wholly true or not, Florentino Perez has to ensure that their best central defender is offered a new contract swiftly to keep him from the clutches of Louis van Gaal. It would be nothing short of a disaster if the player is allowed to pack his bags and move on to another adventure, after having spent...

Strengths and Weaknesses of Real Madrid Signing Kiko Casilla

Kiko Casilla Real Madrid signed Spanish goalkeeper Kiko Casilla from Espanyol for £4.2 million on Friday, per BBC Sport, in the club's latest move during the summer transfer window. Casilla, a player who progressed through Real Madrid's youth academy, has been brought back to the Bernabeu to cover the departure of Iker Casillas, who completed his move to Porto earlier this week. The capture of Casilla also suggests Los Blancos are resigned to...

Tuesday, 14 July 2015

The End of Casillas Era at Real Madrid

Iker Casillas The communique via which Real Madrid formally announced that Iker Casillas, "our greatest keeper," was leaving for Porto came precisely five years to the minute after he and Spain began the half-hour of extra time against Holland that would win them the World Cup. It's a remarkable quirk of fate but typical of "San Iker." Beyond all the trophies he's won, over and above his innate talent, he's undeniably one of these sportsmen...