Five Real Madrid youngsters to watch out for on the US tour

Real Madrid are not far off from kicking off their pre-season tour in the United States of America. Tomorrow night, they lock horns with AC Milan in the first of three friendlies before they take on Barcelona and Chelsea in subsequent games.

Los Blancos, however, will be without several key first-team stars for the upcoming tournament giving Carlo Ancelotti the freedom to juggle with his options.

The likes of Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo Goes and Eder Militao will enter the fray in time for El Clasico but others including Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde, Dani Carvajal, Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham will not feature in entirety.

The absence of several international stars, needless to say, enhances the spotlight on young players called up by the manager who will get a run with the first team next week.

Madrid Universal brings you a list of five such young players to keep your eyes on for the three upcoming games.

Joan Martinez

Entering the US tour with limited defensive resources, it is natural that the spotlight will shine bright on young academy stars who will be given a chance in the event.

After all, Los Blancos have only three centre-back options heading into the new season and are unlikely to enter the market for a new signing after being snubbed by Leny Yoro.

Reports have revealed that La Fabrica star Raul Asencio is a real option to take over as the team’s fourth-choice centre-back. However, there is a younger name in the academy who is generating as much, if not more attention.

Indeed, the player in question is Joan Martinez, Real Madrid’s 16-year-old defensive prospect. Dubbed the new Sergio Ramos, the youngster is mature beyond his years and has shown great understanding of his role at a very young age.

Having joined the club only last year, Martinez has already made a big impression and is regarded very highly. It will thus be interesting to see if Carlo Ancelotti provides the teenage sensation with opportunities in the US and a potential path to the first team.

Nico Paz

Of all of the Real Madrid Castilla stars to make a case for promotion, Nico Paz lies at the forefront.

The young midfielder was on the verge of establishing himself as a regular presence in the first team last season, but the gruelling competition soon saw him bow out of the equation.

Now 19 years of age, Paz is more experienced than he was a year ago. Called up for the pre-season tour, he will be one of the players with the most pressure to leave a lasting impression on the management.

After all, there is serious competition for a starting spot in midfield and it will not be easy for a player like Paz who faced direct competition with more established names. Conversely, a good showing could help him earn a big move elsewhere amid rumours of a possible exit.

Endrick

Endrick’s first week of training as a Real Madrid player has been eventful, to say the least.

From showing signs of a budding partnership with Arda Guler to facing Antonio Rudiger at full tilt, the teenage prodigy has had some interesting experiences.

Heading into his first tournament with Los Blancos amidst massive hype, it will be intriguing to follow how Endrick handles the pressure and expectations around him.

More importantly, Carlo Ancelotti will face a dilemma of where to deploy the new signing, especially with Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr already undisputed starters.

Arda Guler

Entering the event as one of the standout performers at Euro 2024, Arda Guler is seriously knocking on the doors of Real Madrid’s starting lineup.

To enter the XI, however, he will likely have to displace one of the team’s best players last season: Jude Bellingham.

The Turkish phenom cut short his vacation to begin training for the new season and is reportedly exceeding all expectations in training. A strong campaign in the US, thus, could be all that separates him from a key role in Ancelotti’s plans.

If reports of his level in training are anything to go by, moreover, fans are in for a treat.

Mario Martin

Mario Martin’s future has been a constant topic of discussion throughout the summer. Having impressed with Real Madrid Castilla over the past two seasons, the youngster is after all on the radar of several clubs.

Over half the clubs in La Liga are said to be eyeing his signing. Martin’s priority, however, is to impress Carlo Ancelotti, who also admires his profile.

The upcoming tour in America, thus, is the midfielder’s golden chance to convince the first-team manager and leave an impression. With several starters not participating, moreover, he could well have significant minutes in the tournament.

A spot in the first team is not available immediately. Should Martin step up and a departure materialises in midfield, he could well occupy the vacancy in what would be a dream scenario.

The spotlight, thus, will shine bright on the 20-year-old midfield sensation.