Former midfielder Chema Andres addresses Rodri comparisons and why he left Real Madrid: ‘Have to look after my career’

Former Real Madrid midfielder Chema Andres has no regrets about choosing his own path after leaving the club for Brighton & Hove Albion this summer, even as fans continue to discuss what he could have offered at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Notably, the midfielder’s move to the Premier League ended Real Madrid’s rights and future hold over the midfielder, but Chema insists his priority is developing his career in England rather than thinking about a potential return.

Speaking to MARCA, the Brighton player also addressed comparisons with Rodri and explained why he believes Real Madrid already have the players capable of eventually controlling games in that way.

Chema believes Madrid have midfield options

Real Madrid fans have questioned the decision to lose their rights over Chema, particularly after Brighton produced an impressive result against Arsenal, where the midfielder found the net.

The midfielder, though, believes the club has enough quality in his position.

“At the end of the day, Real Madrid have the best players in the world in their squad. Tchouameni, Camavinga, and in my position, Valverde…

“I think they have more than enough quality for that position and have proven it over many years.

“Maybe this isn’t Real Madrid’s best moment right now, but they’re going to have a great season this year. They have quality to spare; they don’t need anyone else in that position.”

Asked whether Madrid need someone in the mould of Rodri or Joshua Kimmich to dictate matches, Chema stressed that such a player could already exist within the squad if given enough time.

“As you say, they have a very strong squad, and I believe that within that squad there are players who can take on that role. But it can’t happen overnight; it takes time and training.

“I think that’s the difficult thing about Real Madrid: the demands are immense, the fans demand victory and instant results, and that’s very difficult.

Chema Andres now plays for Brighton in the Premier League. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

“But with time and opportunities, Real Madrid would have that player.”

Chema explains why he chose Brighton

The Rodri comparisons naturally led to questions about whether Chema himself could develop into that kind of midfielder. Despite welcoming the possibility, he remains focused on his new club.

“He could be – why not? But right now I’ve only just arrived at Brighton and I’m very happy here. I’m not thinking any further ahead than this, the Under-21s and going back there.”

That same approach applies to Real Madrid losing 50% of their rights over him.

Chema explained that his career had to come first, even while acknowledging everything the club had done for him.

“I’ll tell you what, yes, I didn’t care. At the end of the day, I have to look after my career, for my own sake.

“Obviously, I’ll always be grateful to Madrid for everything they’ve given me; I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for Madrid. But yes, if one day in the future our paths are meant to cross again, so be it.”

He also reflected on the difficulty of breaking into Madrid’s senior team from La Fabrica.

“Real Madrid is the best team in the world and the standards are extremely high. To play there, you have to be a world-class player, and the leap from the academy to the first team is a huge one.

Chema Andres has been compared to Rodri. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

“Very few have managed it, and it’s taken a great deal of effort.

“The fact that so many players are making the leap from the academy to the elite is something to be proud of and makes us realise the magnitude of La Fabrica and the work that goes on there.”

Furthermore, Chema pointed to recent academy graduates who did make the breakthrough while explaining why regular opportunities remain difficult to secure.

“We’ve had recent examples such as Raul Asencio, Gonzalo and Thiago, who have made the leap directly without needing to go abroad.

“But for a player to reach his full potential, he needs to be given opportunities, and at Real Madrid that’s more difficult, because the demands and the level of competition are the highest in the world and it’s hard to get those minutes.”

Chema picks Kane over Mbappe for Ballon d’Or

Lastly, Chema also offered his assessment of the Ballon d’Or race after playing alongside both Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane.

“In my view, Mbappe is a better player than Kane, but it’s true that this year Mbappe hasn’t managed to win any trophies.

“If he’d won something, the Ballon d’Or would undoubtedly go to him. I don’t think there’s a clear favourite this year.

“As far as I’m concerned, Kane and Mbappe are very evenly matched, but I’d give it to Kane because of the trophies he’s won,” he concluded.