Real Madrid News
Xabi Alonso trusts 21-year-old Real Madrid academy product to step up amid injury problems
Real Madrid have a problem at right-back with the absences of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dani Carvajal, both of whom succumbed to injuries earlier this month.
Manager Xabi Alonso is left without a frontline right-back until their return and needs solutions for the coming weeks. The main options to fill in, as things stand, are an inconsistent Raul Asensio and a reluctant Federico Valverde.
As reported earlier today, though, a youngster from the academy, David Jimenez, has emerged as another alternative for the manager, and is in the squad for tomorrow’s game against Kairat Almaty.
Xabi Alonso has confidence in Jimenez
Now, according to MARCA, Xabi Alonso wants David Jimenez by his side and has full confidence in the young defender should he need to rely on him.
In fact, following Trent’s injury against Marseille on 16 September and the subsequent sending off of Carvajal in the same match, the coach had already taken the decision to promote Jimenez to the first team on an indefinite basis.
This decision will last at least until after the international break, when Trent is likely to return from his injury.
Jimenez was a trusted player for former Castilla coach Raul Gonzalez, and played 37 of the team’s 38 league games last season, clocking more than 3000 minutes, scoring three, and assisting five goals.
The 21-year-old defender was one of the most outstanding players of the reserve team last season in both consistency and performance, and as such, had offers to leave.
But new Castilla coach Alvaro Arbeloa blocked his exit. At the same time, the club reinforced its commitment to him and revised his contract.
Jimenez has been at Real Madrid since 2013 and having showcased his potential through the youth and reserve ranks, he has seemingly convinced Xabi Alonso as well.
The manager has full confidence in the youngster and will not hesitate to turn to him if needed.
Real Madrid News
Carlos Espi reacts after scoring match-winning goal in Elche 2-3 Real Madrid: ‘Starting like this is a dream’
Carlos Espi is becoming Real Madrid’s unlikely late-game specialist.
The 21-year-old once again came off the bench to rescue Jose Mourinho’s side, this time scoring the 91st-minute winner in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Elche.
It was his second goal for the club, and both have arrived at crucial moments.
Speaking to Real Madrid TV after the match, Espi could barely contain his excitement.
“I’m so happy—the happiest man in the world. I try to help the team any way I can, and every time I step onto the field, I give it my all and come away feeling great.
“Starting like this has been a dream. This isn’t over yet; we’re going to keep going because we have Sunday’s match coming up.
Carlos Espi winning goal in Elche vs Real Madrid game. Mbappe assist. pic.twitter.com/STJBV3ikQL
— Daily Foot Vibes (@dailyfootvibes) September 16, 2026
“This is a team effort. All of us who take the field make the most of our opportunities and give it our all,” he began.
Espi keeps making his minutes count
There is a growing pattern to Espi’s involvement. Even though he has yet to start a match for the first team, that has not stopped him from making an impact.
His first goal arrived against Espanyol in Real Madrid’s opening game, when another late strike helped secure the result.
Against Elche, he was required again after Real Madrid surrendered a two-goal lead and suddenly found themselves in serious trouble.
Espi eventually appeared at the back post in the 91st minute and finished the move to give Mourinho’s team all three points.
The youngster shared the credit with his teammates, but he also had special praise for the player who supplied his decisive moment.
That assist came from Kylian Mbappe, whose presence has made Espi’s route into the starting XI particularly difficult.
“It’s unbelievable—it’s crazy to watch him train and play. In this case, he set me up for the goal, and I’m very happy for him, too.”
First Madrid derby already has Espi excited
The timing of Espi’s latest contribution could hardly be more interesting, as Real Madrid now face Atletico Madrid on Sunday, giving the forward an opportunity to experience his first Madrid derby.
“I’m really looking forward to it—I’m so excited. It’s my first derby here, and we’re going to go for it.”
For Mourinho, Espi is a useful option when matches become chaotic. He may not yet be a regular starter, but his two appearances on the scoresheet have carried considerably more weight than the minutes he has played.
