David Jorquera , director of Defensa Central, provided an in-depth analysis of the match between Real Madrid and Fiorentina on Arnold, the first preseason friendly for Los Blancos, which ended in a 2-2 draw. Jorquera highlighted the team’s drop in performance in the second half as the key to the result , while individually he praised Alexander-Arnold’s skillful play and the potential of Dumfries . He also predicted that Endrick will be loaned out this summer.
“Alexander Arnold’s footwork is a luxury for Real Madrid’s style of play, for his teammates’ runs off the ball. I can just imagine Diomande running ahead of him, salivating at every attacking move… if Mourinho can prevent him from being a sieve in defense, he’ll be undisputed ,” commented Jorquera, who believes the Englishman has had a promising debut in the double full-back pairing he formed with Dumfries , whom he also thinks will be important: “He’s still a bit heavy and slow in 50/50 challenges, but as soon as he’s fit, he’ll be a beast on that right flank ,” he said about the Dutchman.
Real Madrid, from more to less
According to the journalist, physical condition was decisive in the final result of the match: “The team’s performance declined as the game progressed, clearly, most likely due to physical limitations. Although they finished stronger than Fiorentina, and Mourinho showed us what Espí is here for: a close match, the final minutes… it was all about finding that winning mentality.”
With Espí’s arrival, Endrick, who has demonstrated his voracious appetite for playing time, will have a tough time: “Endrick is a player who gives his all in every match. He’ll fight even his own father if necessary, and he also has an eye for goal. And that’s invaluable. But I also have concerns about his limited ability to link up with teammates in a team with so many stars where he’s not the sole focus…
when Diomande arrives, I wouldn’t rule out the possibility of him leaving on loan ,” he said about the Brazilian.
Carreras can’t seem to get back on track and Cucurella will be vital
He also had a few words for Álvaro Carreras , who hasn’t been able to get back on track since last season’s Metropolitano derby: “I think Carreras is still stuck in the same rut of inconsistency he’s been in since last season’s Metropolitano derby in La Liga… He made a mistake clearing the ball in the box that, if you give it to a player from Barcelona, Bayern Munich or PSG, they don’t just score, they laugh in your face .”
“It’s because of things like this that Mourinho signed Cucurella and asked for him as something vital for the team ,” Jorquera said.
Finally, he also referred to the good performance of youth player Ciria in the match against Fiorentina, in which he debuted with the first team and scored one of the goals: ” I really liked Alexis Ciria , a skillful, fast, cheeky guy… one of those ‘impertinent’ players that Mourinho surely likes ,” he concluded.
