Real Madrid: 3 ways they can increase their homegrown talent and national team influence
Big changes are expected to be made at Real Madrid this summer, with the club willing to let go of many players to clear the wage bill and generate funds for new signings. Real Madrid believes it is the time for the beginning of a new cycle at the club, with the inconsistent performances from the club in the past three years further strengthening their case.
A lot of departures are expected, and some of the names of those players who might leave the club include the likes of the club captain Sergio Ramos, loyal servant Lucas Vazquez, the playmaker Isco who isn’t in the plans, and the striker Mariano Diaz. Sergio Ramos and Lucas Vazquez might leave for free as their contracts are expiring this summer, while Isco and Mariano will be put on sale.
One thing that is common between the four players mentioned above is their Spanish nationality. The departure of these players might weaken an already thin Spanish contingent of Real Madrid, as only Alvaro Odriozola (whose future is uncertain), Dani Carvajal, Marco Asensio, and Nacho might be left.
Real Madrid is a club that is based in the capital of Spain would definitely want to dominate the Spanish National team. Even the fans expect that. But since the 2018 World Cup, the representation of Real Madrid in the Spanish team has decreased considerably, and there is a possibility of no Real Madrid player representing Spain in the upcoming EUROs, according to MARCA.
When compared to other biggest clubs of European countries like Germany and Italy, where Bayern Munich and Juventus have consistent domination, Real Madrid is clearly behind. And with direct rivals like Barcelona and Atletico Madrid having greater representation in Spain, it is not a great sign for the club, who should look to strengthen their Spanish core.
The reduction in the number of homegrown players will throw the club into some sort of trouble because there are certain rules set by UEFA, for a club to be eligible to play the UEFA Champions League. UEFA has set a homegrown rule, which makes it mandatory for a club to have at least eight homegrown players. And LaLiga has set a rule which asks for the presence of at least eight homegrown players as well. With few more homegrown players like Raphael Varane and Marcelo linked with exits at the same time, Real Madrid might have some headache in this matter.
But for a club of Real Madrid’s stature, this might be a very small issue that can be solved with some steps. So let us have a look at the three possible solutions for Real Madrid to boost their Spanish contingent, and at the same time, satisfy the minimum criteria for the homegrown rule.