Real invest in British steel

[Olzy]

Spanish giants Real Madrid will have a distinctly English feel about them this season following defender Jonathan Woodgate's transfer to the club.

Woodgate joins England captain David Beckham and striker Michael Owen at the Bernabeu.

The three England internationals will now form the backbone of the side.

Former AC Milan and Monaco striker Mark Hateley reckons Real's England connection could provide the Spanish team with an ingredient clearly missing as their trophy assault faltered last season.

Real ended without any silverware following a disastrous run of form after the turn of the year that cost coach Carlos Queiroz his job.

But Hateley reckons the English players will add a new dimension to a team liberally sprinkled with Galacticos.

"Real are trying to find the right blend," Hateley told BBC Sport.

"With three English players they are certainly investing in fighting spirit - and with so many playmakers at the club that is probably what they have been missing."

Real have also signed Argentine defender Walter Samuel from Roma as they looked to shore up a porous defence.

It is always good to be able to share your problems with somebody of a similar mentality

But the summer arrivals at the Bernabeu face a crucial period if they are to be a success at their new home.

"The first thing you need to do is not only win over your new team-mates but impress the fans," added Hateley.

"The bedding down period is crucial - especially when you go to a massive club like AC Milan or Real Madrid.

"It is quite an intimidating place to go and play even if you are joining from the likes of Manchester United or Liverpool.


"If you don't get the fans on board after the first month or so you find it very hard to do so thereafter and it is always an uphill struggle."

Hateley joined Milan as a 21-year-old from Portsmouth in 1984 and enjoyed three seasons at the San Siro before spending three years at French side Monaco.


Real sign Owen

Upon arriving in Italy he sought out the advice and wisdom of compatriot and team-mate Ray Wilkins.

He reckons it was a massive help as he settled in a new country.

Hateley adds: "If you are married or have a girlfriend that's fine and - but in the workplace it is slightly different situation.

"If you have someone there with the same mentality and day-in day-out problems it's a big, big help."

And the arrival of Owen and Woodgate could also have a beneficial effect on Beckham as he tries to rediscover the form that made his opening months at Real such a success.

"I think it will be good for Beckham, after all it is always good to be able to share your problems with somebody of a similar mentality," he said.

"Look at the Graeme Souness and Trevor Francis situation at Sampdoria - both of them survived there and had a good time there. The fact they had each other was, I would say, a big factor.

"At the other end of the scale was Ian Rush at Juventus. It was not an ideal situation for him. He did not have a player there to share his problems with him."

And if this time next season Real are preparing to defend their haul of trophies there will be no doubt that the Spanish club were wise to invest in the best of British.

[Alexey]

English wood to be exact

[Jager]

First of all, how much will Owen play?

Second of all, Beckam has yet to pick "that team up by the boot straps", and seeing how he played at the Euro, he's might of lost a step.


Lastly, isn't Woodgate always prone to injury?


Not to rain on Real's parade, just thought I would add my two cents to that pro Real, and pro English article.

[Pennywise]

The season is long and hard, and they need a big squad to fight against teams in La Liga, CL, Cup ++

Both Owen and Morientes will play a lot. injures, bad play, changes in every matches..

Michael Owen was almost free.. today clubs like Chelsea, ManUtd, Inter, Magpies have 4 good strikers, and look last season, both Ronaldo and Raul was out of fit.

Woody and Samuel was the best thing that could happen, because then Ivan Helguera can play there he belong.

Real Madrid signed Walter Samuel, Michael Owen and Jonathan for 35 million £.. like Chelsea spend on one player ( Drogba )

Beckham played approved season in Spain last season. But together with the team, he was terriable after marc 11.

Woody has a injure right now, but I'm 100 % sure that he'll be fit for fight soon. The medic test for him was secret in Madrid. thats a very hard and thorough check.
Woody is together with Ferdinand, Campbell and Terry the best defenders in England, and I hope he and Walter Samuel make tight at La Liga this season.

[kennethlindheim]

I think the Woodgate deal has been on the cards for a lot longer than the board are letting on.I belive he was fit fot the start of the season and was kept out to make sure he didn't get injured again and then sent to the german specialist to give him a quick check over to make sure he would pass his medical.Come on-what transfer of that magnitude goes through in less than 2 days?

[Pennywise]

I dont think that Woody was ready before the season started. Real Madrids number 1 target was Viera, and if Viera had joined Los Galacticos, Samuel and Helguera had played together in the defence. Pavon, Mejia, Bravo as backup.

[Pennywise]

He is only seven, but already Niall Mason is set to follow in the golden-boot footsteps of David Beckham by joining football legends Real Madrid.

Niall – who first took to the pitch when just two months old – is leaving England to take his place at the famous Spanish club’s football school.

His mother, Mimosa, 35, and proud father, Russell, 44, from Brighton, will move to Spain to support their son as he bids to emulate his favourite player Ronaldo.

Mr Mason told The Sun: "It’s every father’s dream come true – I keep having to pinch myself."

"What more could a boy of that age want? It’s a tremendous opportunity with the most famous club in the world. It hasn’t sunk in yet."

Niall’s father signed the youngster up to a two-week summer course at the Real school while working in Madrid.

Although the youngest pupil by three years, Niall finished the course sixth overall but was still invited to join by coach Jose Lesme.

And just like his Real Madrid heroes, including Becks and new signing Michael Owen, Niall had to pass a medical and sign a contract before taking up his place at the prestigious school.

After visiting the club, Niall admitted Ronaldo was the player he most wanted to be, saying: “Becks shook my hand and wished me well.

"But my favourite is the Brazilian Ronaldo because he has so much skill – I wouldn’t mind being like him one day."

Niall will train twice a week for eight months at the Escuela Deportivo de Futbol Federation Madrid, starting on October 1. His schooling will continue at a local English school.

If successful, the future star, who scored a hat trick during his last game for Hove Rivervale Under 10s, will join Real’s full-time academy.

The family, including Niall’s sister Maya, three, will move to a flat close to the Bernabau.

Mr Mason said: "He’s a natural. At two months old I used to plonk him on the football pitch."

"He uses both feet and is pretty skilful – he can float a free kick like Beckham. And his ball control is fantastic."

"It will be fabulous if he makes it, but I just want him to be happy."

And Mrs Mason said: "It is all a little overwhelming seeing my baby snapped up by Real Madrid, but you have to grab an opportunity like this."