Real Madrid News
Ancelotti asks for reports on Real Madrid academy right-backs – three names emerge
Carlo Ancelotti has requested reports on Real Madrid academy right-backs as the club explores internal solutions following the season-ending injury to Dani Carvajal, reports The Athletic.
Despite Ancelotti’s historical preference for experienced players, the Italian manager has asked for these reports, signalling a potential shift in approach as the Merengues evaluate their internal options.
Three options highlighted
While sources within both the coaching staff and academy indicate that a completely ‘ready-made’ prospect prepared for immediate first-team action is not available, three promising candidates have emerged from the youth ranks – Lorenzo Aguado, David Jimenez, and Jesus Fortea.
Aguado has been with Real Madrid since 2010 and was part of the pre-season tour of the United States. The 22-year-old is currently featuring for Castilla in Spain’s third tier under Raul’s management.
As per the report, Aguado is considered the most likely to join first-team training sessions in Carvajal’s absence and potentially secure a spot on the bench for upcoming matches.
Jimenez, 20, represents another viable option from Castilla. Having joined the club in 2013, the youngster has already gotten a taste of first-team involvement, making the bench for Madrid’s victory over Alaves in September when Aguado was out injured.
The third prospect, Jesus Fortea, is perhaps the most intriguing despite being just 17 years old. Real Madrid notably broke their informal ‘non-aggression pact’ with Atletico Madrid to secure his signature in 2022.
Currently excelling in the U19s under Alvaro Arbeloa’s guidance, Fortea is considered highly promising but not yet ready for first-team action, having yet to feature for Castilla.
17-year-old Melvin Ukpeigbe could also be an option after impressing on loan with Bayer Leverkusen’s youth side last season – so much so that the German side wanted him again this past summer.
After a month into the new season, Aurelien Tchouameni is finally back in action for Real Madrid.
The Frenchman made his first appearance of the season for the Merengues last night against Inter Milan after recovering from the muscular injury that delayed his campaign.
His return to fitness had raised questions over where he would fit into Mourinho’s plans.
Tchouameni has been a regular in Real Madrid’s midfield for several seasons under different managers, but the end of last season was far less straightforward.
His confrontation with Federico Valverde, combined with speculation over his future at the club, created uncertainty about his position. His lack of a proper pre-season also appeared to put him behind other midfield options.
Bernardo Silva had established himself as an important figure, while Eduardo Camavinga was also ahead of Tchouameni in terms of match fitness.
With Real Madrid looking for greater creativity in midfield, there were questions over whether the Frenchman would still be a first-choice player.
Key for Mourinho
According to AS (h/t Bernabeu Digital), however, Mourinho has no such doubts. Tchouameni remains a key player for the Portuguese coach and is expected to be a starter.
Mourinho sees the French international as a midfielder without a direct replacement in the squad.
For Jose, Tchouameni provides something that none of the other midfielders in the squad do – a more defensive and positional presence, combining his tactical discipline with considerable physical strength.
His ability to shield the defence and provide balance could be particularly important for a Real Madrid side that want to defend aggressively and attack quickly in transition.
For that reason, his absence at the start of the campaign has not changed the manager’s view of his importance.
Mourinho faces a midfield selection problem
The challenge for Mourinho now is finding a way to fit all the pieces together.
If Tchouameni is guaranteed a starting position and Valverde is considered untouchable as captain, the obvious consequence is that Bernardo could find himself starting from the bench.
The summer arrival had been given an important role in helping Real Madrid control and distribute possession from deeper positions.
However, with Tchouameni and Valverde both occupying midfield places, Mourinho cannot accommodate everyone in the same lineup.
How the Portuguese coach manages that competition will be interesting to see in the coming weeks.
Hala_Madrid
October 8, 2024 at 6:58 pm
Madrid is so predictable with Ancelotti, one of the reasons it has become so difficult for them to win games that should be easy to win.
Jon Grey
October 8, 2024 at 7:57 pm
Not even Lucas is a good replacement enough for Carvajal, not to talk of lesser experienced youngsters that old coach wants to bring in. Real would do themselves much good if they go for both Alexander Arnold (from Liverpool) and Alphonso Davies (from Bayern) in the January window if they wish to prevent the already lackluster Madrid team from being walloped by such stronger teams like Man City, Liverpool, Bayern and even Barca in the matches ahead!