Why Real Madrid signing Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa would be a smart move
According to a report from AS English, Spanish heavyweights Real Madrid are interested in signing Fulham midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, who is currently on loan at Villarreal.
Having started out at Cameroonian outfit Cotonsport, Anguissa moved to French club Reims in the summer of 2014, but featured only for their B team before signing for Marseille a year later. The 24-year-old grew into prominence at the club, making 106 appearances, after which Fulham signed him 2018.
Having arrived in England, the Cameroonian midfielder was a regular in the Premier League for the Cottagers and fared decently, even though the club ended up getting relegated. Last summer saw him join Villarreal on loan, where he has impressed so far this season.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, have endured a solid enough, albeit at times inconsistent, campaign in 2019/20. In Zinedine Zidane’s first full season upon returning into the managerial hotseat, Los Blancos sit second in the La Liga table, two points below leaders and arch-rivals Barcelona.
However, they have already been dumped out of the Copa del Rey already, and are staring at the prospect of an exit from the UEFA Champions League as well. They may have a star-studded squad, but Real Madrid still lack balance and depth in a few positions, that need to be addressed this summer.
Real Madrid need cover for Casemiro
One of the foremost concerns for Real Madrid should be recruiting a backup for defensive midfielder Casemiro. The Brazilian international has been an ever-present at the base of the midfield for the Merengues. Indeed, Casemiro has missed just two of Madrid’s 37 matches in the La Liga and the Champions League combined.
Starting 32 of 34 matches ought to take a toll on the midfielder’s fitness and form. Federico Valverde has impressed in Casemiro’s absence, but he is not an out-and-out No.6, whereas Luka Modric is in the final phase of his glittering career. Hence, it is imperative that Real Madrid bring in another midfielder to cover for him, allowing Zidane to rotate as per the needs.
Having said that, Anguissa would be a viable option for the La Liga title hopefuls. The 24-year-old has had a solid campaign with Villarreal in 2019/20, featuring in all but two of their league matches. He has also contributed with a goal and an assist as well.
The Cameroonian international has now garnered experience in the Spanish top-flight, while he also has some degree of exposure to European football as well, having played 17 Europa League games during his time at Marseille.
He may not be the biggest star in the world of football, but Anguissa would provide depth in the defensive midfield department at Real Madrid.
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Verdict
Real Madrid lack any sort of cover in the defensive midfield department. That is something which needs urgent addressing. And while Anguissa might not be the star acquisition that one usually associates with the club, but he has done well in his debut season in France and would add depth to the squad.
