Real Madrid News
Zinedine Zidane’s message to talented Real Madrid youngster: “You’re going to get there”
Real Madrid has seen a radical shift in ideology over the past few seasons. The club has shifted from its trademark strategy of signing established stars to a more defined project involving the development of young talents and early scouting.
Sergio Arribas is one of the youngsters that comes to mind on that front. The Real Madrid Castilla star has been knocking on the doors of the first team for a while now, and now at 21 years of age, deserves the breakthrough he was promised.
Earlier today, AS revealed important quotes from a conversation with the prodigy’s father in which he talks about Zinedine Zidane’s faith in his son and how the former manager motivated him.
“Zidane told my son ‘you’re going to get there, for sure’,” Arribas’ father stated.
The Real Madrid legend left a mark over his two spells as the club’s manager as one who always turned to the academy before looking to the market. It was at the root of Zidane’s ideology to trust the young and coming players, and Arribas was one to benefit from that.
The story with Carlo Ancelotti is different. The Italian tactician has only given 71 minutes to Castilla players all season. Arribas has received 19 of them and even made his mark in the short duration with a goal against Al Ahly in the semifinal of the Club World Cup.
The 21-year-old made eight league appearances for the Merengues under Zidane in 2020-21. While he did not contribute to any goals in that duration, he left a positive impression and announced himself as one of the contenders to be promoted.
With the French manager rumoured to be among the candidates to replace Ancelotti in June, it remains to be seen if he returns and whether he retains his faith in the Castilla star.
Real Madrid set out on a mission to change the minds of Dani Ceballos, Marco Asensio and Nacho Fernandez earlier this week. After all, all three players were contemplating a departure from the club for a gross lack of minutes.
Los Blancos’ latest approach seems to have impacted Ceballos’ position in a positive fashion. However, Fabrizio Romano reveals that it has not changed Marco Asensio’s mind.
According to the Italian journalist, the Spaniard will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season as a free agent.
Of the numerous options on his table, he sees Aston Villa and PSG to be the best bets. In fact, Villa have already submitted their opening bid for the player as revealed by Fabrizio Romano once again.
After a dramatic final day of action in the Premier League, Aston Villa finished in the European spots and will participate in the UEFA Conference League next season. While a move to the English club would be a steep step down, it will see Asensio receive regular playing time.
Paris-Saint Germain, on that front, appears the more probable destination. The French club are close to losing both Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr ahead of the new season, and Asensio would thus fit in as a starting quality winger. Moreover, they offer Champions League football.
The Spaniard’s role at Real Madrid this season has not been minor by any means considering his contributions. In 30 La Liga appearances, the 27-year-old has scored nine goals and provided six assists in addition to creating nine big chances and averaging 1.4 key passes per game.
However, that does not satisfy the winger who wishes to be a starter week in and week out. His departure in June appears to be now written in stone, and the club should feel hard done to not make a penny of his move.
Many in Los Blancos’ administration see Brahim Diaz as a direct replacement for the Spanish international if he leaves. Needless to say, the AC Milan star’s future will closely depend on Asensio’s situation.
Romama
March 26, 2023 at 4:47 am
Yeah, it was ZZ policy to trust young players. Sounds true. He sold off all the promising youngsters when he came back and was clueless how to help Vini. Still I hear this nonsense!