Real Madrid started their USA pre-season tour with the 1-0 loss to AC Milan as 16-year-old Joan Martinez caught the eye.
Los Blancos head to North America missing a host of first-team players due to lengthy summer breaks following Euro 2024 and the Copa America.
With so many key names absent, Carlo Ancelotti called a panel mixed with youth and experience, and Martinez had his chance from the bench in Chicago.
He was given a late run by Ancelotti, and looked assured in central defence, with one outstanding challenge place a marker.
The teenager is expected to take part in the remaining summer games and the veteran of the club Lucas Vazquez he is impressed by his progress.
“He wasn't where he was when he was 16. He's an incredible kid and he played a very good game against Milan,” as quoted by Relief.
“He is a returning center with a brutal level of potential and we all have to try to help him so that he continues to develop.”
Real Madrid takes over Barcelona in the coming hours before a match that ends on tour with the Premier League team Chelsea in North Carolina on August 7.
