The talent of the academy of Real Madrid who has the best to play a role for Carlo Ancelotti this season
The most recent graduate of Real Madrid's academy to still be in the side is currently 32-year-old Dani Carvajal at right-back, but there is real hope that could change this season as Los Blancos look a slightly shorter in two areas.
In the center of the field, Jude Bellingham could go back, despite Carlo Ancelotti's statements that he will not, and Arda Guler could also be tested here, but his options are mainly Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, Luka Modric, Fede Valverde and Dani Ceballos. If the Italian continues to use three midfielders, then that leaves only five players to fill those roles, while Tchouameni could also be required in the center.
Jesus Vallejo is the fourth central defender to come in for Nacho Fernandez, but it remains to be seen whether Ancelotti trusts him with significant minutes for the first time in his Real Madrid career at the age of 27. Youngsters Raul Asencio, Jacobo Ramon and Joan Martinez were used during their pre-season tour, with David Alaba also out for several more months.
#Bayer04 they are eager to return #RealMadrid youngster Melvin Ukpeigbe, who was on loan there last season. pic.twitter.com/qSNys3mId0
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However AS Diary say that the academy player who does more for his case is the midfielder Mario Martin, one of two alongside Lucas Vazquez to have played all 180 minutes in pre-season so far. Assistant manager Davide Ancelotti is a fan of the combative Martin, and was included in several squads last season.
On the other hand, Nico Paz impressed against Barcelona, cutting the deficit from a corner with an excellent header. The 19-year-old is a more attacking option, and feels his time at the club is over, with no clear path to the first team, and a feeling he has done all he can in Castilla.
Paz has been linked with the likes of Leganes consistently, and is expected to leave at some point before the end of the window if he can find the right destination. Certainly Martin is more clear – while he is not a similar player to Toni Kroos, he is more comfortable in midfield. If Tchouameni or Camavinga are used in defense at all, that opens the minutes in a more similar function too.
