Perhaps I'm reading more into this than there is, but I don't find it a coincidence that Real Madrid have decided now is the right time to express their interest in Jesus Navas. The fact that they are interested shouldn't really come as much of a surprise, after all the speed demon is having a fantastic season with seven assists to his name as he reeks havoc down right wings up and down La Liga every weekend. But to suddenly expose this interest with an important home match against his team Sevilla on the horizon? Unsettling a vital cog in the Sevillano machine? They really don't need to get involved in that sort of business. Not with a team that is doing all its talking on the pitch; 17 goals in their last four league encounters.
Besides, would an out and out winger like Navas even fit in with Real Madrids masterplan? A 4-4-2 diamond inherently lacks pace on the flanks in midfield and requires the full-backs to provide the width and crosses, as Sergio Ramos and Marcelo have done so admirably. Would Navas be as effective at the head of that diamond? Unlikely. So unless Pelligrini seriously harbours plans to switch things around next year, this could just be another attempt to unsettle a team that could well dent their championship hopes if they get anything from tonights match in the Bernabeu. And let us not forget who scored the opener against Real Madrid in this seasons reverse fixture, whilst giving poor Marcelo a night to forget. I'll let the photo above do the talking.
Besides, would an out and out winger like Navas even fit in with Real Madrids masterplan? A 4-4-2 diamond inherently lacks pace on the flanks in midfield and requires the full-backs to provide the width and crosses, as Sergio Ramos and Marcelo have done so admirably. Would Navas be as effective at the head of that diamond? Unlikely. So unless Pelligrini seriously harbours plans to switch things around next year, this could just be another attempt to unsettle a team that could well dent their championship hopes if they get anything from tonights match in the Bernabeu. And let us not forget who scored the opener against Real Madrid in this seasons reverse fixture, whilst giving poor Marcelo a night to forget. I'll let the photo above do the talking.