Former Real Madrid midfielder rules out Bernabeu return after stunning start: ‘Not thinking about it’

Former Real Madrid midfielder rules out Bernabeu return after stunning start: ‘Not thinking about it’ Real Madrid’s academy, La Fabrica , may not produce players for the first team on a regular basis, but many talents go on to make a name for themselves elsewhere in Europe. Nico Paz is the obvious success story, and his growth at Como has been a joy to watch, but there are other lesser-known examples like Chema Andres. The academy graduate made an impression at Stuttgart in the Bundesliga and has secured a move to Brighton this season to play in the Premier League. He started against Arsenal last weekend and even scored, as the Seagulls secured a surprise 3-0 victory over the defending champions. Chema defends Real Madrid’s midfield options Andres, who has been called up to the Spain Under-21 squad, spoke to El Chiringuito about whether Madrid currently lack a midfield profile like his. “Not really, I don’t think so,” Chema said. Chema Andres feels Real Madrid do not need a midfielder. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) “People talk about it a lot, but Madrid have players of extraordinary quality and they are more than capable of becoming champions and winning everything.” Madrid’s midfield structure has attracted scrutiny this season. Their failure to replace Toni Kroos and Luka Modric for a few seasons now has been a cause for concern. Chema, however, believes Mourinho already has enough quality to find solutions. “Maybe, but I think Madrid also have Tchouameni, Camavinga, Valverde, who can play in that position, as well as Bernardo Silva, who they just signed this summer,” he said when asked whether someone with his profile could help. “They have great players.” Chema would welcome a Bernabeu return in the future Chema was then inevitably asked about a potential return to Madrid in the future, and he made no effort to hide his desire. Chema is not thinking about moving back to Real Madrid. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) “For me, as I’ve always said, Madrid are the club that gave me everything, and it would be an honour for me to return,” Chema said. “But right now I’m not thinking about that because I’ve just arrived at Brighton and I feel incredible there, but it [returning to Madrid] is always a possibility.” Chema has only recently started his Brighton chapter and needs regular football to grow in his career and become a better version of himself. Madrid’s search for greater midfield control has become one of the early tactical debates of Mourinho’s second spell. If Chema continues developing in England, he could emerge as an option in the future, but for now, such talks are premature. It remains to be seen how the Spaniard fares under Fabian Hurzeler and where his career takes him going forward.