Real Madrid have two players on UEFA’s ’50 for the future’ 2021 shortlist

Real Madrid’s young stars continue to make shortlists and receive the spotlight.

Although Real Madrid are experiencing some of the pains that go along with a club transitioning to a new generation of stars, it is an exciting time to be a fan of the club, especially if watching young talent grow right before your very eyes is one of your favorite things in football.

There are so many great young players to monitor in Madrid or out abroad on loan. Vinicius Junior, Fede Valverde, Martin Odegaard, and Rodrgyo Goes are a quartet of headline-grabbers in the first team, and the likes of Brahim Diaz are making noise for top clubs elsewhere in Europe.

UEFA.com released its “50 for the future” shortlist for the year 2021, and it’s no surprise to see a pair of Real Madrid players make this list that showcases top young talent in European football.

Castilla star Sergio Arribas, who played a key role in Los Blancos’ Youth Champions League triumph last year, was a refreshing name to see on the list. You usually don’t see him spotlighted, even though he’s an excellent young player who has already picked up appearances for the first team in 2020-2021.

Takefusa Kubo and Sergio Arribas can become fan favorites for Real Madrid

And then the second player on Los Merengues shortlisted is none other than Takefusa Kubo. Currently on loan at Villarreal, Kubo hasn’t received the minutes he wants in La Liga, but he has been highly productive in the Europa League. Prior to joining the Yellow Submarine, Kubo played for Mallorca on loan last season, standing out as one of the league’s top young players in the second half of the 2019-2020 season.

Both Arribas and Kubo have the tools to be great players in La Liga. Between the two of them, Kubo has the most upside, considering he can develop into a truly world-class attacking midfield talent. He’s already shown top dribbling skills and passing in the final third. Kubo was even a good goal-scorer for Mallorca late last season.

It’s early in the developments of Arribas and Kubo, but they are indeed two players Madridistas can be grateful to have in their ranks.