Should Real Madrid have listened to Zidane about Mayoral?

When Borja Mayoral was shipped off on loan to Roma, few Real Madrid fans seemed to bat an eye about the deal. Whilst the Castilla product had looked decent during his prior loan-spells, few had an ideas about him being a back-up striker.

With Luka Jovic expected to improve in his second season at Real and Mariano Diaz providing on the few occasions he was used, it was easy to see why Borja didn’t get a look in.

As reports and statements came out following his departure, it seemed clear Zinedine Zidane wanted to keep the Spaniard, Borja has proven exactly why as of late with his performances for the Italian side.

Through his loan spell at Levante, the striker contributed 10 goals in 24 appearances. A modest return, but he certainly showcased he was capable of bringing goals. Even in his cameo for Real this season, his energy and persistence won a vital penalty for Los Blancos when the game was tied.

Zinedine Zidane wanted Real Madrid to keep Borja Mayoral

Given the huge reliance on Benzema, Real needed somebody to step in the absence of the Frenchman. However, Zidane has little to no option in this regard. Luka Jovic departed on loan, Mariano Diaz has not showcased much of note, Asensio has been inconsistent, Rodrygo was injured and Vinicius has never been a consistent source for goals.

The interesting note to take about this situation? Zidane himself requested that Mayoral was kept at the club. It is well known that the French coach has quite the eye for talent, he has shown it time and time again. With a proven track record in that sense, should the club have listened?

There is certainly more than enough substance to show, that Zidane may have had a point about keeping Mayoral. Since joining the Serie A outfit, Mayoral has proven to be a steady source for goals. In league competition he has contributed to 10 goals in 24 appearances, with 11 starts and 10 substitute appearances.

Not only has he been firing at a decent rate in the league, but he’s also stepped up well for his side in the Europa League. In his ten appearances, he’s scored 7 and assisted 2. All around, Borja has shown a level of consistency that clearly was noticed by Zidane.

When you keep in mind the cost of Luka Jovic, who has failed to make the grain at Real and has hardly setting the world alight back at Frankfurt, should Los Blancos turn to the familiarity and proven consistency of Mayoral?

With the profile of Jovic being taken into consideration, it seems clear the Serbian doesn’t fit into the mould Real needed. Whilst there is no doubt of his ability and potential, can, should and would Real shift all the tactics to suit him? Especially when Benzema is clearly not slowing down.

Ultimately, with Real in need of a player who can chip in with goals for the side, would they have been better off both in performances and financially, keeping Mayoral on and letting go of Mariano Diaz – who earns five times what Mayoral does per week.

Given the dependence on Benzema, the lack of offering from Mariano and Jovic – it must be frustrating for Real fans seeing Mayoral on loan, contributing a goal for Roma every 84 minutes. If Real are going to progress under Zidane, they ought to listen to his requests.