Nigerian Wing-Back Makes Full Debut For Real Madrid First Team In Win Against Getafe
Published: February 10, 2021Real Madrid beat Getafe 2-0 in a rescheduled La Liga match on Tuesday thanks to second half goals from Karim Benzema and Ferland Mendy.
Los Blancos coach Zinédine Zidane took everyone by surprise by naming Spanish-born Nigerian youngster Marvin Akinlabi in his starting lineup - his full debut for the first team since joining the club in 2016.
His two previous appearances prior to yesterday's fixture came against Real Sociedad and SD Huesca, logging 32 minutes in total in the two La Liga matches.
He has been on the fringes of the first team after impressing in a pre-season friendly against Getafe back in September.
In a 3-4-3 formation, Akinlabi, who is predominantly a right winger, was deployed as a right wing-back and he caught the eye before he was replaced by Sergio Arribas in the 55th minute after suffering an injury.
Zidane explained in his post-match press conference that his first change was supposed to be Vinícius for Arribas but he changed his plan after Akinlabi's injury.
"Yes, we planned to take Vinícius off. But then Marvin Park hurt himself and we changed our plans," Zidane told reporters.
Akinlabi helped Real Madrid win last season's UEFA Youth League and his strike against Inter Milan was awarded the best goal of the competition.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
Photo Credit : realmadrid.com
Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com
Latest News
- 'I respected England' - Iwobi explains why he chose Super Eagles over Three Lions at senior level
- Confirmed: Chelsea youth product Dubem Eze released by Norwich City
- 'We beat Ghana 6-1' - Manu Garba highlights the pedigree of most successful U17 team in the world
- Everton ready to offer Nigeria's best defensive forward the chance to stay in the Premier League
- England squads announcement: Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham starlets eligible for Nigeria selected
- Man Utd join Chelsea in keeping an eye on situation of Super Eagles star ahead of possible summer move
- Finidi sweats over fitness of 2023 AFCON star Onyeka before Super Eagles squad announcement
- Potential Zirkzee replacement: Bologna linked with move for 2023 Super Eagles invitee
- U17 AFCON qualifier Nigeria 1 Niger 0: Rapha Adams header secures three points for Golden Eaglets
- Isaac Success: 2013 U17 AFCON top scorer suffers injury in Italy ahead of Finidi's squad announcement
Football News 24/7
News Categories
- Football Betting
- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Nigeria National Teams
- Nigeria Premier League
- Norwegian Football
- Polish Football
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- Women's Football