Real Madrid‘s commitment to Xabi Alonso is a project for the future. The coach has signed for three seasons with the Whites and is expected to build a solid project from the ground up and bring titles to the club’s trophy cabinet. His predecessor comes from a glorious era that did not end in the best way, but with one cycle coming to an end, the start of a new one is now being embraced with enthusiasm. It is a commitment to a man who is returning to his former home and who knows the ins and outs of Valdebebas very well.
With the arrival of Xabi Alonso, there are many signs that the Spanish coach will give more prominence to the youth academy. An academy that, as we say, he knows well, as his coaching career began with the Infantil A team, players who have now been under Arbeloa’s orders in the youth team that has won practically everything and who, it is hoped, will move up to the reserve team with the promotion of the coach. This communion suggests that the youth academy will play a more prominent role under the new coach.
Greater prominence for the youth academy
In recent seasons, Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid has been criticized for its lack of confidence in the youth academy and the younger players in the squad. The Italian coach has struggled to give opportunities to players from the academy, even when the need was greatest. The best example of this situation is Asencio, now indispensable, who struggled to find a place in the center of defense when there were no center backs available. The Italian preferred to convert Tchouaméni into a center back.
In addition, as for the younger players in the squad, players such as Arda Güler and Endrick have occasionally expressed their desire to play a more prominent role. In the case of the Turkish player, he took advantage of the extra minutes he was given due to injuries at the end of the season, shining in matches such as those against Getafe and Celta, where he scored in both games and assisted Mbappé. Ancelotti has always been more reluctant to give young players a chance, and this was clear in the case of Güler. After his good performance, the coach pointed out in a press conference that: “We are talking about Güler and Endrick, who are very young players. But the history of Madrid says that you have to sit on the bench to become a starter. Arda is doing well and will do better next year. He has the profile to be a starter at Madrid and has known how to sit on the bench.”
The bench-sitting policy is set to take a 180-degree turn, as with the arrival of Xabi Alonso, many are expecting the youth academy to play a more prominent role. The coach has already made it clear that he wants to promote individual players to build a team, and that players will have to earn their place. It is expected that names such as Gonzalo, Yusi, and Jacobo Ramón will already be getting some playing time ahead of the Club World Cup.
A gem for the future of Real Madrid
Aware that Xabi Alonso’s project is a long-term one, Real Madrid is also considering investing in the youth academy to develop players for the future for the new coach. In this regard, journalist Rodra has reported in recent hours that the Whites have Abdellah Ouazane, a 16-year-old player from the Ajax youth academy, on their radar. The young footballer is attracting the attention of the top European teams. He has played for the Netherlands U15 team, but the player seems to be leaning towards Morocco. He is a creative footballer who can play both as an attacking midfielder and a central midfielder and, for the time being, will combine youth football with Arbeloa’s Castilla team. According to the journalist, negotiations are at an advanced stage and his signing could be completed in the coming days.