Real Madrid: Zidane hints that Marcos Llorente could go on loan next year
By Ben Sundock
Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane voiced his pleasure with the play of central defensive midfielder Marcos Llorente, but thinks he should go out on loan again next season. Would this be the right move and will it actually happen?
Central defensive midfielder Marcos Llorente has been quite impressive this season in relief appearances for Casemiro, but he still is not considered to be ready for a starting spot by the coaching staff.
Ahead of Real Madrid’s 1-1 draw against Leganés, Zidane hinted in his press conference that Llorente could be set for a loan stint during the 2019/2020 season. “Marcos needs more first-team minutes,” Zizou told the press.
The 24-year-old has been relegated to the depths of the Real Madrid lineup these past two seasons following an incredible loan spell with Deportivo Alavés during Madrid’s La Liga winning campaign.
During that 2016/2017 campaign, many around the footballing world called Llorente the second best CDM in Spain behind only Casemiro and Sergio Busquets. He has certainly shown that he has the skill to be a starter for Los Blancos, he just needs to wait his turn.
Zidane fully recognizes the that this is not the ideal situation for the Spanish international and wants him to further his development.
"“He was incredible during the season where he played (on loan) at Alaves (in the 2016-17 campaign) and a similar situation would be the best-case scenario for him again.”"
Llorente has made just 13 total appearances this season with five of those coming in league play. Casemiro has dealt with injury and suspension issues that have called Marcos Llorente into action more frequently than we saw last season.
It is hard to let a talented player like Marcos go out on loan again but I have to agree with Zidane. Casemiro is the go to man and Llorente simply needs to wait his turn before becoming a regular in Zidane’s plan.
His dedication to the club and relaxed personality make this decision for the board and coaching staff much easier. Unlike Mateo Kovacic and James Rodriguez, Marcos is not begging for minutes or complaining to the press.
He knows his role within the team and knows what he needs to do to become a star in the Santiago Bernabéu.
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A loan stint within Spain or at another top tier league in Europe will only elevate Marcos Llorente’s game and help him tremendously. There are only a handful of clubs where he wouldn’t be starting in the midfield, so, Real Madrid must make sure they send him somewhere where he will be the starting guy.