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Ancelotti Praises Real Madrid Star as a ‘Gift’ to Soccer After Victory Over Deportivo Minera
Carlo Ancelotti hailed one of his Real Madrid players as a "gift" to soccer following a commanding 5-0 victory against Deportivo Minera in the Copa del Rey on Monday night.
The Italian manager opted for a rotated squad for the match, giving two young players their senior debuts. "They demonstrated their quality. It’s a valuable experience for them to be part of our team, to train, and to gain minutes with us. They are young, alongside others, and possess a lot of talent. We always keep an eye on them and monitor their progress," Ancelotti stated after the match.
The starting lineup featured several youngsters, including Endrick and Arda Guler, who scored twice. However, the veteran presence was provided by captain Luka Modric, whom Ancelotti referred to as a "gift for football." He added, "Especially for those who get to enjoy him up close—the fans, teammates, the coach, and everyone at Real Madrid. For me, he’s an incredible asset, particularly in how he prepares for these matches. He approaches them as if they were finals, serving as an important example for our younger players."
While Endrick didn’t score, Ancelotti felt he had a solid performance. "Scoring is just a detail. He moved well, created opportunities, and his movement was effective behind the defensive line. He just needs to improve his accuracy, but overall, he played very well and was dangerous on the right flank. He must be patient; the goals will come when we need them," Ancelotti emphasized.
Fede Valverde also stood out in the match, scoring the opener. "He was excellent," Ancelotti remarked about the Uruguayan. "He played 45 minutes, which we thought was sufficient for him. He left Valencia feeling fresh, and we managed to give some rest to others. He’s in great shape."
Regarding the previous match against Valencia, which saw Vinicius Jr. receive a red card, Ancelotti once again addressed the possibility of a suspension for the Brazilian star. "We don’t believe he will be sanctioned. He doesn’t need extra support; he’s one of the best players in the world and has won two Champions Leagues. He has the love of all Madrid fans, which is why he performs so well," Ancelotti concluded.
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