Open Thread: May 25, 2021

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, Ezek Ix or NeRObutBlanco.

Luis Enrique invited no Real Madrid players to the Spanish national team

It’s the first time in history that Spain has gone to a major competition without a player from the club. Given the phenomenal season Nacho had, many of us assumed at least he would be honored with a selection to the squad due to his rock solid fundamentals, his versatility on the back line and his skill on the ball. Enrique instead gave the opportunity to Eric Garcia, who did little this season for Manchester City. Busquets also was a controversial selection considering how fragile he appeared this season in defensive transition.

Kiyan in his recent piece drew particular attention to Nacho’s strengths this season:

Nacho was robbed by Luis Enrique

Nacho playing at this level again is a treat. He took a dip after the last World Cup, as did many Real Madrid players, and it took him a while to have the same impact as he did in 2017 again — but he’s unequivocally back. Nacho seeped back into the Spanish National team discussion as he rose the call in Ramos and Varane’s respective absences. This is the Nacho we remember: Stronger than his frame deceives, reliable coverage, flying ninja tackles sweeping the ball away cleanly.

Three Real Madrid players have been included in the SofaScoreINT LaLiga team of the season

Real Madrid’s board and fans think about bringing in a sporting director

(ht: Juninho)

Luis Campos is considered to be the front runner for the position, while Napoli’s Cristiano Giuntol has also been mentioned (@theMadridZone).

Campos was a scout and tactical analyst for Real Madrid under Jose Mourinho. It was his resounding successes at Monaco and Lille that have earned him his reputation.

Campos headed the recruitment department that signed players such as Tiemoue Bakayoko, Thomas Lemar, Benjamin Mendy, Djibril Sidibe, Fabinho, Bernardo Silva, Joao Moutinho and Kamil Glik - many of whom were sold for notable funds.

Monday was the anniversary of La Octava, Real Madrid’s eighth European crown

Enjoy being reminded of the midfield anchor play of Fernando Redondo, the blazing speed of Roberto Carlos and Raul’s fancy footwork:

Several messages from the players