Tuesday’s Real Links: VAR is coming!
By Ben Sundock
Tuesday’s edition of ‘The Real Links’ features Cristiano Ronaldo transfer rumors, La Liga announcing the implementation of VAR next season, and an injury update on Sadio Mane. Let’s jump in!
Goal of the Day
I usually write the ‘Real Links’ the night before they are published, but due to a college exam this morning, I was unable to write this last night. Wow, am I glad I didn’t.
Earlier today, Nigeria pulled out a stunning comeback against Argentina in an international friendly in Russia, with the African national rallying from 0-2 down to win 4-2 thanks to Arsenal youngster Alex Iwobi, and former Manchester City now Leicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho having their hand in three of the four goals.
Iwobi scored this dazzling goal late in the match to bury the South Americans. A nutmeg dribble and a tidy finish into the side netting had the neutral Russian fans in attendance standing to applaud the effort from Iwobi.
What a goal!
Real Madrid Links
Kaká says, “At Real Madrid, Everything Gets Taken to Extremes”
Former Real Madrid midfielder and recently retired Brazilian footballer, Kaká provided some insight as to what life is like at the biggest club in the world during an interview earlier this week.
“At Real Madrid, everything gets taken to extremes, as much for the good things as the bad things, so you have to adapt to the way that the press and the fans live through different situations.”
Kaká, who played 120 matches with Real Madrid between 2009 and 2013 recently played his last season in the United States with Orlando City, hanging up the cleats after an incredible 16-year career where he featured in 461 total club matches, ranging from Brazil, to Spain, to Italy, and ending in the US
“What happened to James [Rodriguez] and to me can happen to any player and not just at Real Madrid,” Kaká said, drawing comparisons between himself and the Colombian midfielder who is on loan with Bayern Munich.
“For a player, it’s an amazing experience to be at Real Madrid. I matured a lot there, principally as a person.”
Cristiano Ronaldo wanting to leave Real Madrid rumors come up, again
Whenever I see these rumors of Ronaldo wanting to leave Real Madrid, I just think of the adults in Charlie Brown talking.
Just like last summer, I’m not going to believe any of this nonsense until something actually happens, which I am rather certain it won’t.
Checking in on Real Madrid’s loaned and recently sold players
Los Blancos loaned or sold 16 players over the summer, which is an absurdly high number.
Here’s a full report of how each and every player who was sold or loaned is doing!
Isco and Marco Asensio, a match made in football heaven
In 43 games together since August 9, 2016, Marco Asensio and Isco have been probably the best midfield/forward duo in the world.
In that time, the two have combined to create 48 goals, scoring 33 between them, and providing 15 assists.
In their short time in the white jersey, the two have quickly become fan favorites thanks to their incredible play and continued regularity in the starting lineup.