Since arriving at Real Madrid from AC Milan, Kaka has been a disappointment. He's suffered a couple of serious long-term injuries, and when he's been healthy, he hasn't been able to find a place in the side ahead of Mesut Özil. That's changed a bit this year, as Kaka has re-emerged as something resembling the player he once was for Milan. He's been brilliant for Madrid so far this season, and many believe that he should be first choice over Özil at the moment. However, with some big La Liga games on the horizon and six points already sealed in Champions League, Real Madrid blog Managing Madrid would like to give him a rest.
Real Madrid Vs. Lyon, 2011 UEFA Champions League: Managing Madrid Wants To Rest Kaka
I feel like Mourinho might rest Kaká or Özil to give Di Maria some run. Özil does not seem comfortable playing on the wing, so my choice is to rest Kaká tomorrow so he can be ready for our next La Liga game. I think it would be smarter for Mourinho to play one of them: if Kaká is as fit as he looks, Di Maria should get the spot instead of Özil, since the Argentinian contributes more than the German on the right wing.
Keeping Angel di Maria getting regular minutes is key for Madrid as well. As it was noted above, Özil is not a winger and Madrid don’t always look at their best when they try to fit both Kaka and Özil on the same field. Kaka’s return to form and fitness has sparked some major selection dilemmas for Jose Mourinho, though having too many good players is usually an okay problem to have.
For more on this game and all things Los Merengues, visit Real Madrid blog Managing Madrid.
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