Real Madrid, barring a last-minute swoop for PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe, may have only made one signing this summer in free agent David Alaba with two legendary center backs moving in the other direction. As such, the task for Carlo Ancelotti is a tall one, but it is likely one he fully expected when he took the job.
Ancelotti must work with what he is given. That means getting the most out of struggling veterans like Gareth Bale, Marcelo, and Isco amidst the unlikelihood of sales, but it also means getting the most out of a talented crop of youngsters. Some are underperforming, too, such as striker Luka Jovic, but others are looking better than expected.
Three of those “better than expected” prospects are Castilla men Miguel Gutierrez, Antonio Blanco, and the captain Victor Chust. According to Marco Ruiz of AS, these are the three prospects Carlo Ancelotti plans on calling upon in the 2021-2022 season, in addition to the full-time first-team players. They will reportedly be “important” to the man who brought Real Madrid “La Decima”.
It is no surprise to see Blanco and Gutierrez on the list, and in light of Toni Kroos’ injury, Blanco’s path to playing time is even more clear. Blanco was fantastic in a couple of games near the end of the 2020-2021 season, as was Gutierrez, who is clearly a superior player to Marcelo.
Real Madrid could start Miguel Gutierrez on Matchday 1
With Ferland Mendy expected to miss the first match of the season due to injury, like Kroos, Miguel also becomes important immediately. He could start on Matchday 1.
The final name, Chust, is a bit of a surprise, but not when you look at the depth at center back. Eder Militao, David Alaba, and Nacho Fernandez are the only sure-fire options.
Compared to loanee Jesus Vallejo, who should probably be sold, Chust is the significantly better option as a fourth center back. He has his flaws, but he showed he can cut the mustard in a couple of 2020-2021 appearances.
Although it may not always feel like it, the future is bright for Real Madrid. There are a handful of great talents in Castilla, and this trio is ready to make an impact in 2021-2022, which will likely be another grueling season for Real Madrid. Ancelotti has his work cut out for him, but it is a good sign that he is reportedly ready to let these three young men get their chances with the first team.