Real Madrid

Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez have both been left out of Real Madrid's squad for their upcoming friendly against Red Bull Salzburg amid continued speculation regarding their futures. 

The team for the match on Wednesday in Austria was confirmed by the Los Blancos Twitter account:

📝 Our 20-man squad for tonight's friendly match against @FCRBS_en! #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/IkEWR1OSJb

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) August 7, 2019

Manager Zinedine Zidane has opted not to include either Bale or James while they continue to be linked with moves away from the club.

Bale appeared set to be on the move to Chinese Super League side Jiangsu Suning before it was reported that Madrid stopped the transfer going ahead. 

According to John Percy of the Daily Telegraph, the plug was pulled on the transfer as Los Blancos wanted a fee for the forward, who had previously agreed terms on a contract that would have seen him earn a weekly wage of £1 million.

Per football journalist David Ornstein, there appears to be a stalemate between Bale, Zidane and the club:

Gareth Bale has been left out of the Real Madrid squad for tomorrow’s friendly v Red Bull Salzburg. Currently no sign of him being reintegrated into the 1st team picture nor the relationship with Zinedine Zidane being rebuilt or moving clubs before Spain’s transfer deadline #RMFC

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) August 6, 2019

As Eleven Sports relayed, according to Marca, Zidane is keen to move both players on so Madrid can finance a transfer for Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek:

| 📰 |

Key week for Real Madrid write AS with the possible arrival of Donny van de Beek & Zidane wanting James Rodriguez & Gareth Bale sold. pic.twitter.com/9kyDnlAOVl

— ELEVEN Football (@ElevenSportsFB) August 5, 2019

James is also out of favour under Zidane. In his first spell in charge of Madrid, the manager sanctioned the two-year loan of the Colombian to Bayern Munich in the summer of 2017, although the German giants opted against making the transfer permanent.

The playmaker has returned to the Spanish capital this summer as a result and has been linked with a departure throughout the window. Napoli, Atletico Madrid and Fenerbahce are clubs said to be interested.

Given both stars will be on lucrative contracts at the Santiago Bernabeu, shifting them out before the end of the transfer window will be a challenge for Madrid. 

Bale's future has been a huge discussion point in recent weeks, as have his activities away from the game. Zidane was recently asked about the Welshman playing golf while Madrid were taking on his former club Tottenham Hotspur in a friendly:

Zidane on Bale playing golf yesterday evening “I don’t know. I am here with my players. I cannot comment on that. I hope he has trained there [in Madrid]. We are here thinking of the team.”

— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) July 31, 2019

Zidane on Bale golfing question 2: “We will see when we get back. I’m not going to stop anybody doing anything, we all have our responsibilities. I don’t get into his personal life. He stayed there to train, he did that.”

— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) July 31, 2019

Zidane on Bale golfing question 3 - if it was lack of respect to be on the course when team playing elsewhere: “Another question? You can’t put me in a position I don’t want to be. I won’t answer more than this.”

— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) July 31, 2019

As for James, he fell out of favour at Madrid towards the end of the 2016-17 season, and it appears unlikely he'll be able to force his way back into contention this term. 

James Ducker of the Daily Telegraph reported that Los Blancos offered him as a makeweight to Manchester United in a possible deal for Paul Pogba:

So Real Madrid's offer of £27.6m cash plus James Rodriguez for Paul Pogba was flatly rejected by #MUFC last week. Confirms suspicions Real never had the money to do deal after summer when they've committed >£270m in fees. Maguire announcement to come today https://t.co/PtgwwDvk6K

— James Ducker (@TelegraphDucker) August 5, 2019

Both players would benefit from a move away from the Spanish capital before the end of the transfer window, and Zidane appears to be sending a message to each that they're not part of his plans.

Although both have seen their stock fall at Madrid, they have undeniable quality and will feel confident of contributing at the highest level still. A season in the wilderness at the Bernabeu with that in mind would be a shame for both.

Colombia legend Carlos Valderrama has advised compatriot James Rodriguez to leave Real Madrid this summer because coach Zinedine Zidane "does not want him." 

Rodriguez, who turned 28 in July, recently returned to Real following a two-season loan at Bayern Munich, but Valderrama told Marca (h/t Football Espana) the star should head for the exit again:

"James? Let him go to another team because the coach does not want him.

"If he stays at Real Madrid he won't play; he starts from there. That's how things are...when James arrived, the fans had a party, the president made a party, but the coach does not want him now.

"The concern is that he will not play. If he stays at Real Madrid he will not play. Let him go on to better things, the one who decides on the lineup is the coach.

"With the quality he has he can play anywhere in the world."

The attacking midfielder stood a better chance of leaving before Marco Asensio suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury during a 2-2 draw against Arsenal on July 24:

James Rodriguez will be staying at Real Madrid next season, reports @diarioas pic.twitter.com/Lqu5KbLnWQ

— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 29, 2019

Asensio looked likely to be one of Zidane's main wingers heading into the new season, while Gareth Bale's frosty relationship with the coach means his future remains in doubt.

Rodriguez is yet to make a pre-season appearance this summer and has been omitted from Real's matchday squad in each of their five friendlies thus far.

Sky Sports News reporter Kaveh Solhekol ridiculed Real's recent attempt to include Rodriguez in a deal for Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba:

Manchester United have rejected Real Madrid bid of of £27m plus James Rodriguez for Paul Pogba. What do you think they're smoking over there at Bernabeu?

— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) August 5, 2019

Valderrama holds Colombia's appearance record after earning 111 caps for his country over the course of a 13-year international career. He played a single season in Spain for Real Valladolid (1991-92).

Rodriguez's last appearance for Los Blancos came during a 2-0 league win over Malaga in May 2017. He made only 20 starts for Real during the 2016-17 campaign but scored 11 goals and recorded 12 assists.

Those statistics highlight his productivity at the Santiago Bernabeu despite speculation he's no longer wanted by Real. Goal posted his impressive numbers for the club in greater detail:

James Rodriguez for Real Madrid ⚪️

111 appearances 👕
36 goals ⚽️
40 assists 🅰️
Champions League 🏆🏆
La Liga 🏆
FIFA Club World Cup 🏆🏆
UEFA Super Cup 🏆🏆

To be continued? 👀 pic.twitter.com/0Jl8xqhvdd

— GOAL (@goal) July 30, 2019

Corriere dello Sport (h/t Marca) recently reported Marseille have joined Atletico Madrid and Napoli as suitors for Rodriguez, though the French club can't offer UEFA Champions League football this season.

Valderrama's comments suggest anywhere would be better than staying at Real if he's not wanted, with Zidane yet to show his playmaker much favour since he returned to Madrid.

Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos has said it's "not easy" for manager Zinedine Zidane to take the club back to the levels of success they were enjoying when he left the helm in 2018. 

Zidane was reappointed Real boss in March of this year, but Kroos told Kicker (h/t Marca) of the difficulty he faces in restoring the team to their former glory.

The German said: "It is not easy to take the team back to where Zidane left it. It is difficult to reach that level. Our team was in a different situation when Zidane returned in mid-March of 2019 compared to when he left the team in May 2018."

Kroos' comments featured on Tuesday's Marca front page, via Eleven Sports:

| 📰 |

'It is not easy to take a team back to where Zidane left us'

Toni Kroos on the struggles of Real Madrid since Zizou's return while Paul Pogba makes a final attempt to leave Manchester United reads the front page of MARCA. pic.twitter.com/owp8MycuQl

— ELEVEN Football (@ElevenSportsFB) August 6, 2019

It was under Zidane that Real became the first team to win the UEFA Champions League title three consecutive seasons since the format was changed in 1992. Ajax (1971-73) and Bayern Munich (1974-76) previously lifted the European Cup three times in a row, while Real won the first five tournaments played (1956-60).

Los Blancos completed a league and European double in 2017—their first Liga title in five years—but Cristiano Ronaldo's £100 million departure for Juventus in the summer of 2018 has also had a great impact.

Zidane replaced Santiago Solari midway through last season in a bid to rescue their campaign. Sports writer Alexandra Jonson outlined how things didn't go to plan following his reappointment:

Zidane had an incredible first term as head coach for Real Madrid winning 3 Champions League trophies and LaLiga once. It only took 9 months (+ 2 managers) from he left until he returned to coach Real Madrid again but the "Zidane effect" have yet to be seen under his second term pic.twitter.com/6lUXzz59Fw

— Alexandra Jonson (@AlexandraJonson) August 3, 2019

The Frenchman was the third of three managers to lead Real in 2018-19. However, Mario Cortegana of AS reported Solari's record at the helm after he replaced Julen Lopetegui was in fact the best of the bunch:

Lopetegui - 9th, 46%
Solari - 2nd, 72%
Zidane - 8th, 51%

Three managers over 2018/19 and their own mini-Liga'shttps://t.co/PKSnixSYX6

— AS USA (@English_AS) May 21, 2019

Kroos, 29, joined from Bayern Munich in 2014 and is part of one area in the squad boasting consistency. He's led the midfield alongside Luka Modric, 33, and Casemiro, 27, for several seasons, but the defence and attack have been more prone to change and fluctuations in form.

"We want to play better football, and more consistently. That's important because, after you do that, the rest comes by itself. If you play better, you'll be in the fight for the titles," he added.

Los Blancos face Red Bull Salzburg in their sixth pre-season friendly on Wednesday. They've lost three of five matches so far and led for the first time in pre-season when they recently defeated Fenerbahce to finish third in the 2019 Audi Cup.

Ex-France defender Frank Leboeuf is a friend of Zidane, and he recently told ESPN FC (h/t Daily Star's Ollie Salt) the relationship between Real's manager and misfit Gareth Bale is like "gangrene" in the dressing room.

That situation in itself is an example of where Real's management and board have room to improve. Real Madrid blogger Lucas Navarrete envisioned the Welshman remaining in Madrid against the odds:

Bale’s agent: "There has never been any kind of relationship with Zidane"

I expect Bale to stay.

He doesn’t want to take a salary cut and Madrid don’t want to let the player go for nothing. As a result, it seems that there’s no market for him. https://t.co/85Z0Nuhwc6 pic.twitter.com/7DqMCq3Tx5

— Lucas Navarrete (@LucasNavarreteM) July 29, 2019

Real have spent heavily to recruit Eden Hazard, Eder Militao, Luka Jovic and Ferland Mendy this summer, but pre-season results suggest chemistry is still lacking.

Los Blancos finished third in La Liga last season but will hope to push Barcelona for the title in 2019-20, with the team scheduled to start their season away to Celta Vigo on Saturday, August 17. 

Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek has said his club is in talks with Real Madrid over his possible transfer to the Spanish giants.

Speculation the Dutchman will move to the Santiago Bernabeu has intensified in recent days, with Los Blancos seemingly keen to strengthen their midfield options following a summer of major spending.

Van de Beek was asked about his future by Fox Sports following Ajax's Eredivisie opener against Vitesse on Saturday and revealed talks are being held between the clubs (h/t Sacha Pisani of Goal).

"It is true that Madrid are in talks with Ajax, but I can't say any more," the Dutchman said. "My agent will have spoken with them. Real Madrid are a great club to play for, but Ajax are still a great club. We'll see what happens."

The Ajax star also said after the 2-2 draw that he could hear the Ajax fans singing for him to stay another season:

🗣 Van de Beek: "You can obviously hear what the fans are singing during a game. 'Donny, one more year', something like that?

"My agent will have spoken to some people. Ajax and Real Madrid are both very good options. But let's talk about football now." pic.twitter.com/DJTXYYG1hL

— GOAL (@goal) August 3, 2019

Per Pisani, Van de Beek appears to have emerged as Los Blancos' main midfield target because they have been unable to secure the signing of Paul Pogba from Manchester United; it's said the Netherlands star would cost around £55 million.

Real Madrid Info relayed the front covers of Marca and AS, with both reporting that it will be Van de Beek arriving to bolster the midfield, not Pogba:

Marca’s Cover | “Van de Beek Yes, Pogba No.” pic.twitter.com/aiu1BoN5CE

— Real Madrid Info ³⁶ (@RMadridInfo) August 3, 2019

As’s Cover | “Van de Beek already believes it: He told his teammates that he wants to wear the white shirt.” pic.twitter.com/JIOvmGH5LW

— Real Madrid Info ³⁶ (@RMadridInfo) August 3, 2019

Although he's not as big a name as Pogba, Van de Beek's potential acquisition is one Madrid supporters should get excited about. After all, the Ajax star proved himself on the biggest stage last season, scoring in the UEFA Champions League knockout stages against Tottenham Hotspur and Juventus:

Donny van de Beek finding the target? 😏#UCL | @AFCAjax pic.twitter.com/3ynxcmlpC1

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 30, 2019

The 22-year-old enjoyed an exceptional 2018-19 season, operating as the most advanced player in Los Blancos' midfield trio. With Frenkie de Jong and Lasse Schone sitting deeper, Van de Beek was given licence to push forward.

When he did, he would frequently make an impression in the final third. The midfielder's passing is incisive, while he's also adept at drifting into dangerous positions and finishing chances.

Following on from a goal and an assist in the draw with Vitesse, the Football Talent Scout account provided Van de Beek's updated numbers in an Ajax jersey:

Donny van de Beek all-time stats for Ajax:

✅140 games
⚽️32 goals
🅰️25 assists

Superb stats for a 22-year-old midfielder.

— Football Talent Scout - Jacek Kulig (@FTalentScout) August 3, 2019

Scouted Football shared more details from the Eredivisie clash that illustrate just how effective Van de Beek is at getting forward:

His movement into and inside the penalty area is his best attribute; his appreciation of space – as well as the intelligence, timing, subtlety of his runs – is really impressive.

He exhibited the above for his goal, then followed it up with a nice pass to set-up the equaliser.

— SCOUTED (@scoutedftbl) August 3, 2019

Having already lost key players like De Jong and Matthijs de Ligt already in this transfer window, Ajax will be desperate to keep hold of Van de Beek for another season. However, with Madrid's interest confirmed, it would be a surprise if the player didn't end up making the switch.

Van de Beek would add a much-needed thrust to Los Blancos' midfield options. With Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Casemiro and Isco also capable of operating in a central trio, competition is set to be fierce in the area at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Real Madrid full-back Dani Carvajal has said manager Zinedine Zidane has the trust and respect of his squad despite the club enduring its worst pre-season in almost four decades.

Los Blancos begin La Liga's new season away to Celta Vigo on August 17. They've lost three times and won only one of their five pre-season fixtures in normal time, recording their poorest performance in pre-season since 1980, per Carlos Forjanes of AS.

Four-time UEFA Champions League winner Carvajal was part of the Real team that won three successive European trophies under Zidane.

He recently told Omnisport (h/t Goal's Dejan Kalinic) the players are behind their boss despite lacking form in pre-season:

"You can see Zidane is very important, as he has been as a player and also during this first stage as manager.

"Now, in this second stage, I hope he will be important again. I think he is more prepared than ever. Yes, it is true that he already has a few gallons of experience that he did not have before.

"I think he will do it very well. He has the respect, the trust of each and every one of us and I think that is the first step to go far."

The Spaniards recently beat Fenerbahce 5-3 to finish third at the 2019 Audi Cup. Despite clinching their first normal-time victory of the summer, conceding three goals to the team that finished sixth in Turkey's Super Lig last season failed to flatter Real:

Real Madrid’s pre-season results:

Bayern 3-1 Madrid
Madrid 2(3)-2(2) Arsenal
Madrid 3-7 Atletico
Madrid 0-1 Tottenham pic.twitter.com/a92GF04Uup

— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 30, 2019

La Liga's giants are still seeking their first clean sheet in pre-season, but Zidane said after Wednesday's Audi Cup victory over Fener that he was certain his side will improve, via Goal:

5 pre-season matches 🏃‍♂️
16 goals conceded 😳

But Zinedine says he's 'sure' Real Madrid will improve 👀 pic.twitter.com/mHidQMHCtz

— GOAL (@goal) August 1, 2019

Carvajal's team-mate, Gareth Bale, has also been at the centre of controversy this summer. Bale, seemingly unwanted by his manager, was recently photographed playing golf despite reports injury caused him to miss the Audi Cup.

However, Zidane was calm over the matter and told reporters he can't stop the Welshman doing what he wants, via AS:

Zinedine Zidane: "If Bale wants to play golf, I can't stop him"https://t.co/tblmLfNh83 pic.twitter.com/OtWy0qHop4

— AS USA (@English_AS) August 1, 2019

Some have taken the winger's side in the ordeal, however, and journalist Ian Doyle recently called Bale's treatment in Madrid "disgraceful":

Why does Zinedine Zidane hate Gareth Bale so much? Is it the hair? What on earth is it all about? Does anybody know?

Personally unless Bale has done something unspeakable behind the scenes (and that doesn't mean play golf) it's pretty disgraceful how he is being treated 🤷‍♂️

— Ian Doyle (@IanDoyleSport) August 1, 2019

Zidane returned to Real's helm in March, but a tough end to the 2018-19 season followed by a tough summer of results suggests he may struggle more in his second spell.

Real face Red Bull Salzburg in a friendly fixture on Wednesday before ending their pre-season away to AS Roma on Sunday, August 11.  

Real Madrid are reportedly the latest club to show an interest in Sporting CP midfielder Bruno Fernandes.

According to Record (h/t Jonathan Meaney of AS), Los Blancos are ready to rival Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur in the race for the Portugal international, who has been the subject of transfer speculation throughout the summer window.

It's suggested Real Madrid have held talks with agent Jorge Mendes in regards to brokering a possible deal for the Sporting star.

The M.A.J Twitter account relayed the front page of Record, which noted the interest in the player from the Madrid giants: 

https://twitter.com/Ultra_Suristic/status/1157569977383301120

Per Sport Witness, A Bola also make reference to Real Madrid being linked with Fernandes, although say the club don't have a serious interest in the playmaker.

Sky Sports News reported earlier in the week that Tottenham Hotspur have already held talks with Sporting representatives over a possible transfer, as they see Fernandes as a possible alternative to Real Betis' Giovani Lo Celso.

In the same piece, it's said while United hold an interest in Fernandes, he is not a priority target for the Old Trafford outfit.

The calibre of teams linked with the 24-year-old is a testament to the campaign he enjoyed in 2018-19, when he was the standout player in Portuguese football.

The UEFA Europa League Twitter account took a look at what he is capable of producing: 

🇵🇹 Bruno Fernandes last season 🤯

💚 48 games
⚽️ 29 goals
🅰️ 17 assists

Which #UEL player could match these numbers in 19/20? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/lWxSF4QBOI

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) July 23, 2019

Football journalist Harry Sherlock noted that Fernandes also doesn't mind getting stuck in to tackles, albeit he can often overstep the mark: 

Bruno Fernandes' numbers are great but also - 16 yellow cards last season. SIXTEEN. #COYS

— Harry Sherlock (@Harry_Sherlock) August 2, 2019

Recent reports suggest Los Blancos are on the hunt for a new midfielder, too, despite already spending in excess of €300 million in the market so far.

Throughout the summer, there has been speculation linking Madrid with a move for Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba. Recently, Ajax star Donny van de Beek has also confirmed the La Liga giants have been in touch with him regarding a potential move, per Fox Sports (h/t Carlos Forjanes of AS).

Janusz Michallik of ESPN commented on the team's struggles in this area of the field during pre-season: 

Real Madrid may have to break the bank for Pogba. That midfield could use him.

— Janusz Michallik (@JanuszMichallik) July 27, 2019

Where Fernandes moves to is set to be one of the most interesting stories in the final stages of the transfer window. While he's shone in Portuguese football, a move to the Premier League or to La Liga would be a big step up in class for him.

Madrid have long depended on the imperious trio of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Casemiro at the hub of the team, but last season they all struggled at various points. Fernandes' flair and goal threat would be a welcome addition.  

Ajax manager Erik ten Hag has said the club may lose midfielder Donny van de Beek before the end of the transfer window amid interest from Real Madrid.

The Dutch giants enjoyed a tremendous 2018-19 campaign, although they've already lost a couple of key players in Matthijs de Ligt and Frenkie de Jong. 

Los Blancos have been linked with a possible swoop for Van de Beek after he starred in an attacking midfield berth for the Amsterdam outfit on their way to an Eredivisie and KNVB Cup double.

Ten Hag has said they want to keep the 22-year-old, although it may be difficult, per Marca:

"We will do everything in our power to keep him at Ajax. We don't want to lose him, but when clubs of that calibre enter the situation, things get very difficult.

"Donny was very important for us last season and has started this campaign with enthusiasm, freshness and lots of energy, his departure would be a loss, but we know it can happen."

Van de Beek told Fox Sports (h/t Carlos Forjanes of AS): "Yes, Real Madrid are interested in me. But you go really fast. I can't talk about what there is and isn't."

Per The Spanish Football Podcast, Marca reported that Los Blancos have already agreed terms with the midfielder:

Today's 🇪🇸⚽ frontpages...

🗞️ "Agreement with Van de Beek (now it's needed with Ajax)" say Marca. Which is quite a caveat...

🗞️ As quote Ajax coach Ten Hag saying "If Madrid come for him, there's not much we can do". pic.twitter.com/ND1XX2chIN

— The Spanish Football Podcast (@tsf_podcast) August 3, 2019

Real Madrid have been busy in the summer window, with Eden Hazard, Luka Jovic, Ferland Mendy and Rodrygo among the big names to arrive. However, midfield remains a portion of the team that's yet to be bolstered.

There have been rumours regarding a possible move for Manchester United's Paul Pogba throughout the summer, but it appears Madrid may have shifted their focus elsewhere. 

Van de Beek would be an intriguing signing. The midfielder became renowned for his bursts forward and chipped in with some big goals as Ajax progressed to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals last term:

Van de Beek settled the first leg! ⚽️👌

Who will be tonight's match-winner? 🤷‍♂️#UCL pic.twitter.com/BiqEXHL3x1

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 8, 2019

OptaJohan summed up just how productive the Dutch international has been in the last couple of campaigns:

50 - Since 2017-18, only Hakim Ziyech and Dusan Tadic were involved in more goals for Ajax in all competitions than Donny van de Beek (50 - 30 goals, 20 assists). Future? pic.twitter.com/CrZBBknO6J

— OptaJohan (@OptaJohan) August 2, 2019

Van de Beek may not be as technically gifted as a number of players in the Ajax squad, although last season he was frequently the link between midfield and attack.

His passing is snappy, while he regularly makes the right decision on the ball. As his figures show, Van de Beek boasts a composure in dangerous areas that few players of his age can match.

If Madrid were able to get a deal done, his directness and dynamism would help refresh the midfield. While Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Casemiro have long been an outstanding trio, they all struggled for form at various points last season and would benefit from some overdue competition for their starting place.

Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek has confirmed Real Madrid are interested in signing him this summer amid rumours Los Blancos are closing in on his transfer.

On the same day it was reported Real have agreed a deal with Ajax, Van de Beek told Fox Sports (h/t Carlos Forjanes of AS) the interest was real before saying his focus remains in Amsterdam.

He said: "Yes, Real Madrid are interested in me. But you go really fast. I can't talk about what there is and isn't. Right now, I want to concentrate on Vitesse."

Ajax begin their 2019-20 Eredivisie title defence away to Vitesse Arnhem on Saturday.

Journalist Marcelo Bechler (h/t Fox Sports Asia) reported Ajax have accepted Real's offer for their playmaker, who has already agreed terms and could rubber-stamp his move in the coming days:

Ajax have accepted an offer from Real Madrid for midfielder Donny van de Beek, according to @marcelobechler pic.twitter.com/wB8wA7juqW

— B/R Football (@brfootball) August 2, 2019

Van de Beek, 22, was one of Ajax's less talked about stars during last season's miraculous run to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals.

He came up with assists during their 3-3 group-stage draw against Bayern Munich and the 4-1 last-16 win over Real Madrid. The central midfielder followed up with match-deciding goals in wins against Juventus and Tottenham Hotspur in the quarter and semi-finals, respectively.

Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt, the biggest names to emerge from Ajax's league- and cup-winning campaign, joined European titans Barcelona and Juventus, respectively, earlier this summer.

Van de Beek had an almost even spread of nine goals and 10 assists in the Eredivisie, with the latter statistic putting him in an elite bracket in his position, per WhoScored.com:

Donny van de Beek: Registered more assists (10) than any other central midfielder in the Eredivisie last season

For more player stats -- https://t.co/BMu3FJYonu pic.twitter.com/UlPbQQenIZ

— WhoScored (@WhoScored) August 2, 2019

Manchester United star Paul Pogba has been linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu after failing to compete for the highest honours in his second United stint. Tottenham Hotspur's Christian Eriksen has also been touted as a midfield target, though Brazil legend Rivaldo recently told Betfair (h/t Goal) the club need neither Premier League player.

Luka Modric has entered the final year of his contract in Madrid and will turn 34 in September. Midfield partner Toni Kroos turns 30 in January, but his future seems secure considering he signed a new four-year deal in May.

BT Sport posted footage of Van de Beek's composed 1-0 winner in the Champions League semi-final first leg against Spurs (UK only):

Real Madrid are reportedly close to agreeing a deal for Ajax midfielder Donny Van de Beek.

❌❌❌

The Dutch midfielder turned heads with his performances in the Champions League last season 👌pic.twitter.com/KNfe5d9Men

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) August 2, 2019

Ajax have built a reputation for developing players from within their academy before selling for big profit. This summer has already been extremely lucrative after they secured €75 million fees for each of De Ligt and De Jong.

Mario de la Riva of AS recently provided quotes from Ajax technical director Marc Overmars, who said: "Ajax cannot keep its big stars for too long. If they want to leave and win things beyond here, we are not able to retain them."

Both Van de Beek and De Ligt have played their entire careers at Ajax and joined the club's academy as boys, while De Jong joined from Willem II—who reserved 10 percent of his future transfer—in 2015 for just €1.

De la Riva wrote that Ajax value Van de Beek at €60 million (£54.9 million), meaning the Dutch powerhouse looks set for another magnificent piece of profit if that sum has been met.

Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema has defended his team for their performances in what has been a challenging pre-season. 

Los Blancos picked up their first win of the summer on Wednesday, when they beat Fenerbache 5-3 in an entertaining encounter. The France striker appears to be hitting form at the right time, grabbing a hat-trick in the showdown at the Allianz Arena in Germany.

Speaking after the game, Benzema said there shouldn't be much stock placed in these pre-season matches, per Juan Ignacio Garcia-Ochoa of Marca:

"Let me tell you something, this is called pre-season. Pre-season is about getting to a high level for when the league starts. We're working a lot on a physical level and on a tactical level.

"Criticism is normal after losing a derby and conceding seven, but that's in the past and we need to keep working. I urge the fans to believe in us because we need them. I have a good feeling about this season. I feel good on an individual level too, although I still need more training sessions."

Benzema was also asked about Madrid's reported interest in Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba but refused to be drawn on it. "I can't talk about that," he said. "We have a great team, and we're focused on working."

The Spanish Football Podcast commented on what was an improved performance from Los Blancos on Wednesday although picked up on some areas of weakness too:

FT Real Madrid 5-3 Fenerbahce.
Positives for Madrid:
-a hat-trick for Benzema
-some more great saves from Navas
-another lovely cameo from Kubo.
Negatives:
-the sixth best team in Turkey could have scored at least six goals against them.

— The Spanish Football Podcast (@tsf_podcast) July 31, 2019

Spanish football journalist Euan McTear also noted the defensive issues that have been hampering the side in recent outings:

So that's 16 goals conceded in five pre-season matches by Real Madrid.
They've conceded the first goal in each of these matches.

— Euan McTear (@emctear) July 31, 2019

Although pre-season is for conditioning ahead of the competitive matches, the manner in which Madrid have played means their fans have every right to be worried ahead of the new campaign.

After their struggles both domestically and in the UEFA Champions League in 2018-19, there's an onus on Zinedine Zidane's side to bounce back. The fact that Madrid have spent huge money on the likes of Eden Hazard, Luka Jovic and Ferland Mendy will only increase the pressure to perform.

It will be intriguing to see what role Benzema has to play in the coming season following some high-profile forward acquisitions. After all, not only does he look sharp in pre-season, but in the disappointing previous campaign, he was the standout man for the La Liga giants.

Eleven Sports recently looked back on what has been a brilliant 10 years at the Santiago Bernabeu for Benzema:

| #Benz10 |

On this day, 10 years ago, Real Madrid signed Karim Benzema for £30m! 👏

• 312 #LaLiga games
• 148 goals pic.twitter.com/3L0GXI8MXW

— ELEVEN Football (@ElevenSportsFB) July 9, 2019

Madrid will no doubt see Jovic as the long-term successor to the Frenchman. He showed at Eintracht Frankfurt last term that he is a multifaceted footballer capable of scoring goals on a frequents basis.

However, Zidane utilised Benzema regularly during his first spell in charge of Madrid, and you sense he will call on him frequently next season. It means the 31-year-old will have a big role to play if Madrid are going to turn things around.

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane said he'll be patient when it comes to introducing Takefusa Kubo into the first team at the Santiago Bernabeu. 

Kubo signed for Los Blancos earlier in the summer and has impressed in pre-season, but Zidane won't rush him into action once the campaign begins.

Per Marca's Juan Ignacio Garcia-Ochoa (h/t Football Espana), he said:

"There are many players who have come on pre-season with us from the youth system.

"Kubo has joined us recently and he is a player for the future, but we will talk about what is best with him and it could be good that he trains with us and plays for the Castilla, we will see.

"He is still very young and we must be patient with his development."

The Japanese playmaker, who turned 18 in June, has been one of few highlights from a disappointing pre-season for Real, who have suffered defeats to Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur.

AS' Robbie Dunne singled him out for praise during Los Blancos' 3-1 loss against Bayern in July:

Kubo looks the part. He’s technically and tricky but it’s his strength on the ball that I noticed. Also plays like he’s much older than 18.

— Robbie Dunne (@robbiejdunne) July 21, 2019

He featured against Spurs and Fenerbahce in the Audi Cup, with Madrid losing 1-0 to the former on Tuesday and beating the latter 5-3 on Wednesday.

SB Nation's Kiyan Sobhani and ESPN FC's Dermot Corrigan were impressed with him:

Kubo and Rodrygo are way too good for Castilla.

— Kiyan Sobhani (@KiyanSo) July 30, 2019

Kubo looks great

— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) July 31, 2019

Prior to joining Real this summer, Kubo made 16 appearances for FC Tokyo in 2019, contributing five goals and four assists along the way.

At the start of the summer, he was included in Japan's squad for the Copa America, with the Samurai Blue naming a young side in preparation for the Tokyo Olympics next year.

Although Japan did not make it out of the group stage, he helped them pick up draws against Uruguay and Ecuador, and stood out while doing so:

Takefusa Kubo completed more dribbles and created more chances than any other Japanese player at the 2019 CONMEBOL Copa América.

• 8 dribbles completed
• 8 chances created

21st century kid. pic.twitter.com/a7saeeBLWh

— SCOUTED (@scoutedftbl) July 10, 2019

Last season, Vinicius Jr. broke into Real's first team at the age of 18 and had an impressive impact, so it is possible other youngsters could do the same.

What's more, with Marco Asensio set to miss the majority of the campaign with injury and Zidane having little faith in Gareth Bale, there's scope to earn a significant number of minutes on the right flank, which is where Kubo spent much of his time at FC Tokyo.

All young players develop differently, though, and performing for Real's senior side in competitive fixtures is a big step up from what he's done so far.

Dropping him in at the deep end could have an adverse effect on his development, so Zidane's caution could be a wise move at this stage.