Pape Gueye calls Real Madrid’s midfield “very strong” ahead of Bernabéu trip

“I haven’t played against Modric and Kroos, but I think Real Madrid have very strong midfielders,” says Pape Gueye. Returning to La Liga at the Bernabéu against Real Madrid, the Senegalese midfielder expects a major challenge but is not giving up on Villarreal’s ambitions.

Gueye has become an important figure in Villarreal’s midfield over more than two seasons at the club, and comes into this fixture after a prolific start to the season in front of goal. He hopes to keep that run going this weekend. The Senegalese midfielder is set to lead his team’s midfield at the Bernabéu on Saturday.

He is under no illusions about the opposition. “It’s an important and difficult match. We know we’re playing against some of the best players in La Liga,” he says, before stressing the need to remain true to Villarreal’s approach: “We have to play our football, because I think we’re a good team too.” He acknowledges that he has never beaten his opponents, but says his team has worked very well this week and will give it a go.

There is a personal test, too: Gueye will face Real Madrid’s midfield, often compared with the one from the Modric-and-Kroos era. He notes that he did not play against those two, but underlines the quality of the current group: in his view, all of Madrid’s midfielders are very good. “Every player wants to show they can play against them,” he adds.

Gueye singles out Güler as a player to watch, praising his left foot and his ability to create danger in front of goal. But he says Villarreal must be alert to the whole team, not just one player.

He does not want Villarreal to change its approach at the Bernabéu. Gueye believes his team can keep the ball and says it trains every day to compete with the best. The aim is to play well and win, while limiting turnovers against a side that moves forward very quickly. He adds that this week’s work has taken that threat into account.

The midfielder also speaks about Vieira’s influence, describing him as a football legend and an open person. They talk often about Gueye’s position and how he can improve with and without the ball. “It will be very important for my career,” he says. He is also happy to have played for his national team and is willing, if needed, to spend many months with them.

Gueye’s ambitions with Villarreal extend beyond this fixture. He hopes to celebrate wins with his teammates against major sides that eluded them last season, while maintaining their attacking style at the Bernabéu. Last season, Villarreal finished third in La Liga. Gueye also wants to play in the Champions League every year and win a trophy; he notes that the club will soon have the Copa to play for.

For him, the match against Real Madrid is an important step, but his role remains a collective one. “The most important thing is to help the team,” he says, whether through assists, goals, play or hard work. He says he is happy in Vila-real and intends to keep working in the same way.