Alvaro Morata the elephant in the room at Real Madrid, says Terry Gibson

Alvaro Morata is the "elephant in the room" and solution to Real Madrid's continual struggles in front of goal this season, according to Sky Sports' La Liga expert Terry Gibson.

Zinedine Zidane's side drew a blank in the Madrid derby against Atletico at the Wanda Metropolitano on Saturday night to slip 10 points behind leaders Barcelona.

Meanwhile, Morata's goal and assist for Chelsea in the 4-0 win over West Brom means that he has been involved in 12 goals in his first 11 Premier League games - a record by any Chelsea player in the competition's history.

"Morata is the elephant in the room for Real Madrid," Gibson said on the La Liga Weekly podcast. "He's five years younger than (Karim) Benzema, was in better form last season and should've got more games.

"(Cristiano) Ronaldo is 32, so they'll have to be in the market soon for another centre forward. There's a lack of movement from the front pair, and most of Ronaldo's goals in the last couple of season have been one-touch finishes.

"At the moment it doesn't seem to be suiting him with his back to goal. All the goals he scored, he was the final piece of the jigsaw, supplied service by a fantastic pass.

"His finishing is very direct and reliant on power as the last part of the puzzle. I just wonder now if he's not entirely comfortable with his back to goal, and whether it might be an idea to put him back onto the left and change the system slightly.

Sevilla head coach Eduardo Berizzo diagnosed with cancer

Eduardo Berizzo has been diagnosed with cancer, and reportedly told his Sevilla players at half-time of their remarkable 3-3 draw against Liverpool on Tuesday.

The Reds looked to be heading for a comfortable win in their Champions League Group C clash as two goals from Roberto Firmino and one from Sadio Mane put them 3-0 ahead.

However, Sevilla battled back in the second half and claimed a 3-3 draw, with Guido Pizarro scoring an injury-time equaliser.

Sevilla players ran to celebrate with Berizzo after the goal, and it has been reported in the Spanish media that the head coach told his players at half-time that he has prostate cancer.

Berizzo, 48, made no statement on his health when speaking after the win, however, Sevilla confirmed the news on Wednesday morning.

The club said in a statement: "The medical services of Sevilla FC report that the coach of the first team, Eduardo Berizzo, has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

"Future examinations will decide what steps to follow regarding the treatment. Sevilla FC wants to show their maximum support to their coach at this time and wishes him a speedy recovery."

Several Sevilla players had hailed Berizzo's powers of motivation to orchestrate their second-half fightback.

Source: http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11834/11138405/sevilla-head-coach-eduardo-berizzo-diagnosed-with-cancer

Sky Sports La Liga Power Rankings' best XI this season

Which players would make the best La Liga XI so far this season? We've used the Sky Sports Power Rankings to work it out...

Barcelona have won 11 of their 12 league fixtures this season, only dropping points during a 1-1 draw at Atletico Madrid in October.

However, reigning domestic and European champions Real Madrid are languishing 10 points adrift in third spot, and it's Valencia piling pressure on Barca in the runners-up spot.

But would any of Real's under-performing Galacticos make the best La Liga XI so far this season? We used the stats-based Sky Sports Power Rankingsto find out...

DEFENCE
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Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen topped the Power Rankings this week and claims his place between the sticks with eight clean sheets and 34 saves - conceding only four goals.

Source: http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11827/11138529/sky-sports-la-liga-power-rankings-best-xi-this-season

European Paper Talk: Gareth Bale facing summer axe by Real Madrid

The transfer window does not open until January 1, but clubs across Europe are busy planning and contacting the players they hope to sign.

Our friends at Football Whispers have scoured the European newspapers and websites to bring you the latest transfer gossip and news from the continent.

SPAIN

Gareth Bale is one of eight Real Madrid players who could be axed next summer. The reigning Spanish and European champions have endured a difficult start to the campaign, and the Welshman's injury struggles mean he could be let go in a squad refresh along with Lucas Vazquez, Dani Ceballos, Marcos Llorente, Kiko Casilla, Achraf Hakimi, Jesus Vallejo and Luka Modric. (Diario Gol)

Chelsea transfer target Marco Asensio has spoken out about his lack of a regular starting berth at Real Madrid, saying his situation is unlike Alvaro Morata's prior to the striker's summer departure for Chelsea.

"When [Morata] returned to Madrid…game time for him was important," he said. "I am only starting out my career, I'm a 21-year-old and cannot expect to be playing every match." (Marca)

Ivan Rakitic hopeful Lionel Messi will stay at Barcelona

Ivan Rakitic is optimistic Lionel Messi will remain at Barcelona beyond next summer despite speculation over his future rumbling on.

The Argentina forward agreed a new deal until 2021 with the Nou Camp club in July but did not sign paperwork at first.

La Liga's president Javier Tebas claimed earlier this month a contract has now been signed, although questions remain over whether that is the case.

Rakitic, speaking at a news conference ahead of Barcelona's Champions League meeting with Juventus, said he wants to keep playing alongside Messi for the next few years.

He said: "Leo's part of the club's badge. I am confident he will stay. He is not just a very important player, he is more than that, looking at his career, how much he means for Barca.

Source: http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11833/11138508/ivan-rakitic-hopeful-lionel-messi-will-stay-at-barcelona

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European Paper Talk: Tottenham duo Harry Kane and Dele Alli top Real Madrid wishlist

The transfer window does not open until January 1, but clubs across Europe are busy planning and contacting the players they hope to sign.

Our friends at Football Whispers have scoured the European newspapers and websites to bring you the latest transfer gossip and news from the continent.

Spain

Tottenham duo Harry Kane and Dele Alli are at the head of a five-man Real Madrid wishlist, with president Florentino Perez determined to make a significant splash in the summer transfer window.

The Spurs pair have caught the eye for Mauricio Pochettino's side, with Alli instrumental in downing Madrid when the sides met in the Champions League at Wembley recently.

Kane has recently said he would like to spend his whole career at Spurs, though, while there is no suggestion that Alli is angling for a move away. (Diario Gol)

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone believes his side can still qualify for the Champions League last 16. Los Rojiblancos beat Roma 2-0 on Wednesday night to keep their hopes alive and now need to overcome Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and hope that Qarabag can take a point off Roma when they travel to the Stadio Olimpico.

Source: http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/11139732/european-paper-talk-tottenham-duo-harry-kane-and-dele-alli-top-real-madrid-wishlist

Griezmann: I don't regret staying at Atletico

Antoine Griezmann is happy he stayed at Atletico Madrid despite his struggles this season.

Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann insists he has no regrets over his decision to stay at the LaLiga club, and he ruled out a January exit.
The France international was linked to Manchester United in the off-season, but ended up staying at Atletico due to the club's transfer ban.
Despite scoring just three goals in 14 games in all competitions this campaign, Griezmann said he was still happy with his choice to stay at Atletico.
"I don't regret staying. It was my choice," the 26-year-old told Telefoot.

"I'm happy with my choice, even if I've gone seven games without scoring. It will come back."
Griezmann is now being linked to Barcelona, who are flying high with a four-point lead atop LaLiga.
Atletico are also unbeaten through 12 league games but six of those have been draws to leave them in fourth, 10 points back.
Griezmann said the arrivals of Diego Costa and Vitolo in January would boost Diego Simeone's men.


Read more: https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/griezmann-i-dont-regret-staying-atletico