Open Thread: January 19, 2021.

Hola Madridistas!

The Open Thread/Daily Merengue is a place where you can discuss anything and everything related to football. Feel free to discuss the topics presented here, or start your very own discussions! The Open thread will be posted every day by one of the mods: Valyrian Steel, Felipejack, YoSnail or Oscnar.

David Alaba reportedly signs for Real Madrid

We’re still waiting on the comunicado official, but it would seem that the Austrian ball-playing center-back will be signing for the most decorated club in football history.

See Matt_Wiltse’s piece on that here.

Ultra_Suristic comments on the economic aspects of the deal:

Expect Heavy Rotations in Alicante

This Wednesday Los Blancos will travel to the eastern edge of Spain to the city of Alicante to face Alcoyano. Marca reports that a number of the players who’ve lately been kept on the fringe will be included in the lineup: Zidane’s starting XI against Alcoyano: No Odegaard or Hazard and a new back four. AS is also reporting on the possible changes, in a piece which includes team news: Real Madrid team news: Ramos, Varane, Chust.

All Time Real Madrid Great Podcast

Real Madrid fans and historians will not want to miss Kiyan Sobhani and Om Arvind selecting their full squads. All are invited to post their reactions on the podcast thread: Managing Madrid Podcast: Real Madrid’s All-time XI

Kroos has posted a heartening tweet

Some of the things footballers are able to do for people puts issues on the pitch in the proper perspective.

Translated: “Also think about the others. It’s worth it….”

Left side: “Small man, big heart! Leon, 7, son of national team player Toni Kroos, donates 100 euros to “A Heart for Children.” Right side: “Footballer Toni Kroos donates 400,000 euros to Clemens Hospital in Münster. With this money the Pelican House will be built. Parents whose children suffer from severe brain damage will be accommodated there.”

Monday Training Session

Los Blancos continue to prepare at the Valdebebas for their match against third division Alcoyano. The foot speed and skills of Asensio in this move with his head up are worth taking a look at: