Two Real Madrid U-19 players to keep an eye on
By Ben Sundock
Raul Gonzalez Blanco led Real Madrid’s Juvenil A team to its first UEFA Youth League title in club history at the end of August and several of the young players rose to the big occasion.
In a thrilling back-and-forth affair that saw five goals scored, Real Madrid prevailed as champions in Nyon, Switzerland over Benfica’s U-19 team. Los Blancos tallied two in the first half and one just after the break shortly to hold off a Benfica side that had a penalty saved with 20 minutes to play.
Raul had his side set-up in a 4-1-4-1 formation once again on Tuesday and it was these three players who stood out and made the biggest difference in the final.
Marvin Park
Attacking-midfielder Marvin Park is ready to make the jump from the Juvenil A team to the Castilla team. After turning 20 in March, Raul will be certain to keep him a regular with the way he played this season both in the league and continental competitions.
Marvin is a delight to watch as he enjoys taking on defenders in one-on-ones and uses his quickness and wit to link-up with his teammates.
As the right-winger in the final against Benfica, Marvin had the responsibility of playing on both ends of the pitch. It was his job to track back and help his fullback, Santos, while also looking to send in striker Pablo Rodriguez on the attacking end when he could.
The Spanish international was fantastic linking with Arribas down that right flank and I made a note while watching the match that he reminded me a bit of Vinicius Junior with some of the flashy dribbles, crisp passes, and give-and-go link up with his teammates.
Marvin had two goals and four assists in 14 Youth League appearances this year and will likely see more time on that right-wing when he makes the jump up to the next level. This kid is an exciting player and even though it could be tough for him to make the jump to the first-team, he is worth watching over the next couple of years.
Sergio Arribas
Another player who will be making the jump up to Real Madrid B in the fall is midfielder Sergio Arribas. The 20-year-old is a Madrid native and a stunning player already.
Arribas, along with six other youth academy players, were set to feature in today’s friendly match with Rayo Vallecano, however, the match was called off after tests from the Rayo team were not approved ahead of matchday.
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Arribas is comfortable playing as a CAM and definitely has some Isco tendencies in his game. But, he can easily relocate to either wing based on what his manager needs. In his 10 UEFA Youth League appearances, he scored two goals and had five assists.
He isn’t a natural scorer, but with the right players alongside him in the midfield, he can create space for the goalscorers.