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Former Real Madrid footballer Alfonso Perez declared on Thursday that the Merengues “lack a centre-forward” in their squad and expressed his desire to see Norwegian star Erling Haaland, currently at Manchester City, at the club.
The comments come amid recent reports suggesting the Manchester City striker might be open to a future move to the Spanish capital.
Alfonso wants to see Haaland at Real Madrid
Despite the high-scoring capability of Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappe, who joined the club this season, Alfonso emphasised his view on the team’s striking needs, as he said:
“Real Madrid lacks a centre-forward.”
In what could be seen as a significant endorsement of the Manchester City striker, Alfonso added: “Historically, they’ve always played with one or even two. We have good players like Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius, and Bellingham, but we’re missing that figure.
“For me, Haaland is that number nine I’d like to have in the team.”
Alfonso predicts El Clasico winner
Alfonso, whose professional career saw him play for both Real Madrid and Barcelona, as well as Real Betis, analysed the upcoming league El Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu.
“Based on what we saw yesterday against Bayern, Barcelona comes with great enthusiasm, motivation and confidence, and they’re in good form, but in a match like this, there’s no clear favourite,” he remarked.
Continuing, he added: “I would bet on Real Madrid because they’re more obligated to win due to home advantage and their need to claim top position.
“It’s an open match between the two best teams, and let’s hope they don’t make us suffer too much, although Real Madrid has accustomed us to great comebacks.”
On what Real Madrid need to do amid an inconsistent start to the season, he added: “This Real Madrid needs to find its rhythm, maintain consistency in play, and allow players to gradually build routine and confidence.”
Vinicius for Ballon d’Or
With the Ballon d’Or winner announcement approaching, Alfonso expressed his support for Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr.
“Hopefully, being a Real Madrid player, Vinicius can win it. The match against Borussia will help his chances in the voting,” he said.
“He’s very persistent in his actions, and if one move doesn’t work, he tries another with his power and speed. He needs more consistency in his game, perhaps lose fewer balls, but once again, he’ll be a very important player in all competitions,” he noted.
