Real Madrid News
Real Madrid 20-year-old prospect stands a chance of first-team breakthrough under Alonso
On Monday, Real Madrid presented Xabi Alonso as their new first-team manager, replacing Carlo Ancelotti who has already taken over as the Brazil head coach.
The 43-year-old former midfielder arrives at the Santiago Bernabeu a few weeks away from the FIFA Club World Cup – a competition that Los Blancos are eager to win to end the 2024/25 season on a strong note.
Alonso’s arrival also means that several Real Madrid academy players he once coached during his early days as a coach are in line to gain an edge.
Chema Andres one to keep an eye on
In fact, according to AS, young midfielder Chema Andres may have the clearest path to a first-team role at Real Madrid with Alonso at the helm of affairs.
While Real Madrid have a number of midfielders, there is a lack of depth when it comes to the pivot position – and that is where Chema can come in handy.
The 20-year-old La Fabrica talent showed his ability under Raul at Castilla and earned brief appearances in La Liga and Copa del Rey under Ancelotti.
Now, with Alonso taking charge of the senior team, Chema, who worked with the new manager during his Infantil A days, stands a chance of making it on the big stage.
Who else could get an opportunity?
Another player with a history with Alonso and who can get a big chance in the senior setup is Jacobo Ramon.
The young defender already featured for the first team this season towards the final stages and could be in contention for a bigger role under Alonso along with fellow academy centre-back Joan Martinez.
20-year-old striker Iker Gil, who is set to return to Madrid after a loan stint at SD Ejea could also be an option, considering he enjoyed a prolific season under Alonso in the past.
In what will come as a pleasing development for fans, Fabrizio Romano reports that Real Madrid forward Rodrygo could make a comeback from his injury earlier than expected.
The 25-year-old Brazilian international has been out of action since March after suffering an ACL injury during a La Liga game against Getafe.
Due to the complete rupture of the ACL, coupled with associated meniscus damage, it was suggested that the attacker was staring at a lengthy time out on the sidelines and might not return until 2027.
In fact, the forward’s father, Eric Goes, recently stated in an interview that the Real Madrid ace could be back in February next year, just before the business end of the campaign.
Rodrygo could be back in December
However, as per the update from Romano, Rodrygo’s comeback could happen well before that expected date.
Indeed, if things continue to progress at the current rate, the 25-year-old attacker might return to action in December or by January 2027 at the latest.
This will come as a welcome boost for Jose Mourinho & co., considering that Rodrygo is a valuable player for the team.
Even though he had endured a tough spell prior to his form, the Brazilian’s versatility, work rate off the ball, and eye for a goal make him an asset.
Rodrygo eager to be back at his best
The update from Romano further states that Rodrygo feels very grateful to Real Madrid for all the help and support they have given him during this difficult phase of his career.
As such, the Brazilian international has made it a mission to return to action in the best shape possible and make an impact from the get-go.
The attacker has only recently begun working on the pitch with the ball indicating the significant progress he has made on the road to recovery.
And, if there are no setbacks, Real Madrid could recover one of their ace attackers before the end of the current year.
So far in his career, Rodrygo has made 297 appearances for Real Madrid, scoring 71 goals. He has a contract with the club until 2028.
