Real Madrid News

Ahead of this year’s Goal 50, we want to know who you think has been the best shot stopper during the 2012-13 campaign

POLL

The latest Goal 50 for 2012-13 is fast approaching as we review the best players from all regions of the world over the previous season.

This is the sixth edition of the award, which has previously been won by current holder Cristiano Ronaldo (twice), Barcelona star Lionel Messi (twice) and Wesley Sneijder in 2010.

As part of the build-up to this year’s prize, we are running a series of polls asking readers to vote for their own best players in each position for what should be an intriguing debate.

We kick off with the goalkeepers and there are a number of high-profile candidates who can lay claim to having been the best player between the sticks over the last 12 months.

Manuel Neuer secured treble glory with Bayern Munich as their resolute defensive record served as the base from which they claimed the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and Champions League.

Thibaut Courtois was inspired for Atletico Madrid, on loan from Chelsea, as they beat city rivals Real Madrid to win the Copa Del Rey, while Atleti also enjoyed the best defensive record in La Liga.

At the Bernabeu, Diego Lopez was at the centre of a huge controversy after Jose Mourinho continued to select him in favour of the dropped Iker Casillas. Even Casillas’ biggest fans, though, did not begrudge the widespread view that Lopez showed excellent form throughout his time in the side.

Gianluigi Buffon and Samir Handanovic were amongst the standout performers in Serie A, while David de Gea was voted in the PFA’s Team of the Season after his performances for champions Manchester United in the Premier League.

HAVE YOUR SAY

In total we have 15 goalkeepers up for your vote to decide on the best goalkeeper for the 2012-13 season.
Let us know your thoughts by voting in our poll and leaving your comments below. You can also get in touch via our Facebook and Twitter pages.

The Uruguay international has spoken of his desire to wear the jersey of los Blancos before repeating that he will make a decision on his future after the Confederations Cup

Napoli star Edinson Cavani has once more admitted that a transfer to Real Madrid would be a dream come true, as he continues to flirt with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.

The Uruguay international’s mother recently revealed that Cavani is in talks with Manchester City as well as Madrid, while Chelsea recently had a formal offer turned down by Napoli.

The 26-year-old’s preferred destination seems to be La Liga, though, with a move to Madrid a childhood dream for the prolific attacker.

“I am very calm about my future. Madrid are a great club and every player dreams of playing there,” Cavani told Cadena COPE.

“I am a Napoli player for now, though, and I am focused on the Confederations Cup. It is not only up to me what the clubs decide. There are other factors that must be taken into account.

“There’s a lot of talk about Madrid’s interest, so we will see what happens. Nobody has said anything officially.”

Cavani has a contract with Napoli until June 2017, but has a release clause of €63 million.

The recently retired coach has urged his former club to try and buy the Spain Under-21 international ahead of the 2013-14 campaign

Former Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes has advised the Champions League winners to make a move for Malaga star Isco in the summer transfer window.

The attacking midfielder is continually being linked with a move to a bigger club following his fine performances in 2012-13 and revealed earlier this week that Manchester City and Real Madrid are keen to lure him away from his current club ahead of next season.

However, if it was up to Heynckes, the Spain Under-21 international would continue his career at the Bundesliga giants instead.

“Who should Bayern sign? There are some very interesting players out there, like Malaga star Isco. He’s a class act in midfield,” Heynckes told Kicker.

The 21-year-old has a contract with Malaga until 2016, but has a €35 million buy-out clause.

Bayern have already secured the services of Mario Gotze from Borussia Dortmund and Jan Kirchhoff from Mainz for next season.

Heynckes announced his retirement earlier this week after guiding Bayern to a historic treble this term. The Bavarians had previously already appointed Pep Guardiola as his successor.

The ex-Blancos boss is adamant the Frenchman is not prepared to cope with the added pressure that comes with working as a trainer at the Santiago Bernabeu

Sporting director Zinedine Zidane is not ready to take charge at Real Madrid as a coach, according to Mariano Garcia Remon.

With former boss Jose Mourinho returning to Chelsea, los Blancos are on the lookout for a new trainer, with Carlo Ancelotti and Zidane reportedly in talks with the club.

However, Remon, would prefer a more experienced coach over the former France international.

“To be the coach of Real Madrid requires a special responsibility,” the 62-year-old told Marca.

“It’s a very complicated, they expect results. It is premature to say that ‘Zizou’ will coach Real Madrid.

“Everyone’s talking about Madrid, and under this pressure, the coach still has to make important decisions. All coaches will have added pressure at Madrid, more than at any other club.

“Towards the end of long contracts, the results are evaluated. If the numbers are negative, then the deal gets terminated. We have seen an example recently with Mourinho, who had a contract [until 2016].”

Enter our competition now and get that Confederations Cup feeling! All you need to do is subscribe to our YouTube channel

Fancy winning one of three replica Brazil shirts? Well, we’re giving away a shirt to three of our YouTube subscribers – to celebrate the Confederations Cup!

You simply need to follow the video and tell us which Brazilian superstar, Pele, Ronaldo or Ronaldinho you think is the greatest ever to pull on the famous yellow jersey.

The competition starts on June 17, ending June 23, and entrants must be over 13 years old. Don’t forget to subscribe to the channel or you won’t be entered into the competition!

Do not fret our faithful followers. All existing subscribers will also be entered into the draw, but don’t forget to vote to have your say! So what are you waiting for? Watch the video below and have your say now!