Real Madrid Coach Zidane Explains Reasoning Behind Bringing On Akinlabi In Second Half

Published: September 21, 2020

Marvin Akinlabi, 20, made his competitive debut for Real Madrid in their goalless draw with Real Sociedad on Sunday night, coming on to replace Rodrygo Goes with 20 minutes left on the clock.

Los Blancos coach Zinedine Zidane has explained his thinking behind bringing on the Spanish-born Nigerian winger, a substitution that saw strikers Luka Jovic and Borja Mayoral remain on the bench despite his side in search of a winning goal.

Another winger in Sergio Arribas later came on in second half stoppage time time to replace Vinícius Júnior.

"I didn't want to change the system, we had to put players on out wide - that's what we did," Zidane told reporters post-match.

"I have a lot of players. Today, I have made this choice.

"I don't have anything against Jovic or against any player, I just didn't want to change the system and that's why I changed the wingers."

Born to a Nigerian father and South Korean mother in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, Akinlabi is the first Nigeria-eligible player to feature in a competitive match for Real Madrid's first team.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : realmadrid.com

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