Carlo Ancelotti labels Ferland Mendy “best defensive fullback in the world” amid Real Madrid’s pursuit of Alphonso Davies

Although Ferland Mendy hasn’t had an illustrious career at Real Madid, his contributions and importance at the club have been undeniably growing, most notably his solid performance in the 4-1 win over the Blaugrana in the Supercopa final.

Long marred by injuries and limited game time, Ferland Mendy has been largely used a fringe player at Real Madrid and his recent resurgence in the star-studded Madrid line-up has been nothing short of impressive.

Carlo Ancelotti hails Ferland Mendy

Ferland Mendy, who moved from Lyon to Real Madrid in 2019 for a fee of €48 million, was always backed by Carlo Ancelotti and his coaching staff. Recently, the manager was quick to heap praise on the 28-year-old French international by calling him as “the best defensive fullback in the world” and confirming that there is a very good chance that he continues at Real Madrid.

“I confirm my opinion on Ferland Mendy. He’s the best defensive fullback in the world,” Ancelotti said.

“I have to look at what he does on the field and in training. I don’t know when he ends his contract. He’s important for us”.

It is also no secret that Mendy wishes to continue with the Los Blancos despite having been met with limited minutes and several injuries.

Ferland Mendy, whose contract expires in the summer of 2025, has also been backed by the fans who have come forward to appreciate the fullback’s fitness and performances in recent days, especially as Real Madrid are navigating through a difficult spell with injuries, especially with first choice centre-backs David Alaba and Eder Militao, and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois being out with extensive injuries.

Alphonso Davies linked with Real Madrid

Nevertheless, Ferland Mendy’s spell of influence in the Real Madrid squad could soon come to an early demise with reports having arrived of the Los Blancos looking to reinforce their squad with the addition of Alphonso Davies from Bayern Munich. The Canadian international has been a regular starter for the German giants ever since he burst out into the scene with them.

The signing of Alphonso Davies would suit Real Madrid given how the Spanish club has shaped their approach to transfers in recent days. Real Madrid for the past few years has been solely focusing on buying young players with potential in order to build a more sustainable squad that lasts for a longer period than a squad built by cherry-picking the best players of the world at the moment.

With the high-profile transfers of Eden Hazard and Luka Jovic having been spectacular failures, the club switched policies and the transfers of players such as Fede Valverde, Camavinga, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eder Militao, Vinicius, Rodrygo, Jude Bellingham and recent signing Endrick have all shown Madrid’s intent of this change in transfer strategy. Hence, it is hardly surprising that Real Madrid are in talks to sign Alphonso Davies, who has proved his abilities and potential with Bayern and Canada and is just 23 years of age.

The current market value worth €70 million of Alphonso Davies would not be a problem for Real Madrid either, who do not have any constraints whatsoever regarding Financial Fair Play like Barcelona, but it remains to be seen if Bayern would be willing to part with a talent like Davies, regardless of how much Madrid offer.

Also, it would be interesting to see how Real Madrid approach to transfer Davies, that is if they do at all, given how vocally Carlo Ancelotti has reiterated that Real Madrid are not going to sign any players as of now and that other squad members will have to fill in for their teammates as Tchouameni is playing as a centre back for the injured David Alaba, or how Camavinga plays as a makeshift left-back when needed.

Do you think Alphonso Davies would be a good fit for Real Madrid or should they stick with Ferland Mendy for the upcoming seasons? Let us know in the comments below!