LM Bryan Gil, Eibar
Bryan Gil is on the books at Sevilla, but he is currently playing first-team football for Eibar on loan. As he did late last year for Leganes, Gil gave Real Madrid’s defense something to think about this season. He is one of the most promising teenage talents in Spanish football.
So far this season, Gil has already scored three goals for Eibar. The left-sided attacking midfielder is an exciting talent on the ball who is difficult to dispossess, as he is averaging 2.5 dribbles completed per game and 1.9 fouls drawn per game. Even though he has no assists, he is one of La Liga’s top creators with 2.1 key passes per match.
LB Jose Gaya, Valencia
Real Madrid rivals FC Barcelona were linked with a move for Valencia left back Jose Gaya, who has been one of the players setting the standard at the position over the years. Gaya is still just 25, yet he is already one of the most respected fullbacks in Spanish football.
It’s highly unlikely Los Blancos would make a move for him as a partner for Ferland Mendy, as Miguel Gutierrez or even a Sergio Reguilon return would be more logical. But Gaya is a classy left back whom Madridistas should keep an eye on – even if it’s “just” to be wary of him potentially replacing Jordi Alba in Catalunya.
RM Ivan Alejo, Cadiz
You’ll have to forgive me for this selection, but Cadiz don’t have a single noteworthy young player. This surprise team, which defeated Real Madrid earlier this year, is led by the likes of Alvaro Negredo. Right-sided midfielder Ivan Alejo, who has scored once this season, is the team’s leader in minutes among players 25 or under. So he is a default pick despite making 8 of his 10 appearances off the bench. Needless to say, he is not a player Real fans should be worried about.
LM Marc Cucurella, Getafe
I cheated a bit with Eibar by picking Bryan Gil, but I wanted to discuss him. Getafe have two loanees from the big boys in Spain, as Barcelona’s Carles Alena and Real Madrid’s Takefusa Kubo are currently getting minutes for Jose Bordalas’ squad.
Yet 22-year-old left midfielder Marc Cucurella is the man to praise here. He impressed last season against Los Blancos and is a great, two-way wide man. Cucurella never stops running, and he has three goals with over a key pass per game this season. Defensively, Cucurella is averaging 2.2 tackles per match for Getafe.