Yahoo Sports Real Madrid teenage wonderkid dazzles on debut vs AC Milan
Even though Real Madrid faced a narrow 0-1 loss to AC Milan in their first pre-season match during their tour of the United States, there were several positive takeaways from the game.
Among the highlights was the performance of Joan Martinez, a 16-year-old defender from the club’s academy.
Martinez was introduced by manager Carlo Ancelotti in the second half of the game, coming on to replace Antonio Rudiger. Despite his young age and the high-pressure environment, he delivered an impressive performance that caught the attention of many.
Martinez’s performance in numbers
During his 45 minutes on the pitch, Martinez showcased remarkable composure and skill. He completed 24 out of 26 passes, achieving a passing accuracy of over 92%.
His ability to execute long passes was equally noteworthy, as he successfully completed four out of five long ball attempts. These statistics highlight his proficiency in distributing the ball and maintaining possession under pressure.
Defensively, Martinez was just as effective. He recorded one clearance, one tackle, and one blocked shot, demonstrating his ability to perform crucial defensive actions.
Additionally, he won two out of three duels, further proving his effectiveness in one-on-one situations. His performance on the field was a testament to his potential and promise as a future star for Real Madrid.
After the game, Carlo Ancelotti spoke highly of Martinez, praising his potential and highlighting his impressive performance.
“He has significant potential, he is very young, he has everything a centre-back needs, he is very attentive, very good with the ball.
“He needs to improve many things, he could have a future at Real Madrid. He should continue in the youth team, where he is doing a very good job,” said the manager.
Who is Joan Martinez?
For those who are not yet familiar with Martinez, it’s worth noting that he joined Real Madrid in 2023 after excelling in the youth ranks at Levante.
His talent and hard work quickly earned him a promotion from Juvenil C to Juvenil A, where he played under the guidance of Alvaro Arbeloa.
His rapid progress and consistent performances have now earned him a spot in Real Madrid’s pre-season squad for their tour of the USA.
Standing at 6’2″, Martinez is an imposing figure on the field. Despite his height, he possesses remarkable speed and agility, which allows him to make quick recovery runs and timely tackles.
Martinez’s appearance and playing style have drawn comparisons to former Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos. His long hair and headband, reminiscent of Ramos, coupled with his penchant for last-ditch sliding tackles and confident ball-handling, evoke memories of Ramos’ early career.
He seems to embody the same fighting spirit and technical ability that made Ramos a fan favourite at the club.
