Things Sami Khedira should expect at Real Madrid
Real Madrid, one of the world’s most celebrated football clubs, has a new addition to its star-studded squad. German club Stuttgard has confirmed that their midfielder Sami Khedira will join Real Madrid. According to goal.com, Khedira will join the likes of Angel di Maria, Pedro Leon and Sergio Canales. The fee for Khedira transfer is estimated at around €14m. The German midfielder has gone through the standard medical tests and is now confirmed to be in great shape and ready to play for Real Madrid. Stuttgard is reluctant to let someone as talented Khedira go but Stuttgard’s sporting director Fredi Bobic “wishes him all the best in furthering his career at Real.”
Holding the midfield position in Real Madrid is one of the most demanding jobs in the football field. Countless midfielders have seemingly been cursed with not very graceful exits. Claude Makele made an abrupt exit. Thomas Gravesen only stayed for half a season despite a good start. Fernando Gago, who showed great potential, was reduced to tears. Mahamadou Diarra suffered from a knee injury and Lassana Diara, his replacement, eventually lost his place although he was Real Madrid’s best player for 6 months. Fernando Redondo was hounded by knee injuries.
KS Leong of goal.com prepared a list of things that Sami Khedira should expect in his initiation year in Real Madrid as a defensive midfielder.
First of all, Khedira should expect a few boos from the crowd. The Real Madrid fan base can be pretty demanding. For instance, 80,000 fans may expect him to attack at all times but coach Jose Mourinho may instruct him to protect the backline at all times. The fans may be displeased with his performance even if the club directors see him progressing well. The bottom line is that Khedira will endure months of disapproval from his supporters if he commits a single mistake. But this should not discourage him because just like Marcelo, Ronaldo, and Zinedine Zidane, he will become a stronger player if he overcomes the boos.
Second, Khedira may have to do a lot of running if Real Madrid chooses to employ its typical all-out, attacking style. Khedira would be lucky if Mourinho decides to stick to defensive tactics and formation where every player is protected by a team-mate. If the team sticks to its attacking style, then Khedira would have to fend for himself in the field and cover the spaces left by his teammates. He is known for his endurance but as to whether he can put it into practice as a Los Merengues player is another question.
Third, Khedira must be resilient enough to handle consignment to the bench. Khedira’s World Cup performance showed that his style of play is suitable for Madrid but one mistake and he might have to be benched due upset home fans and wounded confidence. It has happened to big football names such as Casillas, Raul and Kaka but if Khedira is resilient enough, he will get past this slump just like Rafa van der Vaart and Fernando Gago.
Fourth, Khedira will be working with Jose Mourinho, otherwise known as “The Special One.” Mourinho is perceived as arrogant, self-absorbed and egoistic to reporters, journalists and rival fans but he is seen differently inside in the club. He is a revered coach because of his reputed motivational skills. He knows how to bring out the best in each player and ensures that they are protected from the media and focus on nothing except football.
Finally, Khedira’s transfer to Real Madrid is an opportunity for the young player to work on his weak points and polish his technique and ball control skills. He has exhibited an impressive performance in the World Cup but at 23 years of age, there is still a lot of room for growth. He will be working with a lot of big names in the football industry. He goes alongside one of the best passers in the world, Xabi Alonso. He may also be required to cover for the right-back Sergio Ramos. Working with Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo will hone his attacking skills. If Khedira delivers, working with Real Madrid will be an extremely rewarding experience and may help him handle the excessive pressure he will possibly face when he becomes an established name in the German national team.
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