Real Madrid undoubtedly have one of the most impressive squad rosters, at least on paper. Since the summer of 2018, Florentino Perez has adopted a new transfer policy centered around identifying young talents with high potential ceilings. The aim was to build a sustainable project for the future with young players.
While Perez’s new transfer policy has drawn criticism, there’s no denying that Madrid currently have some of the most exciting youngsters that can dominate football in the years to come. Let’s have a look at some of the most talented players at the club and rank them accordingly.
5. ANTONIO BLANCO
In 2017, Antonio Blanco featured in The Guardian’s “Next Generation” list of talents to watch out for. Since then, Blanco has lived up to the expectations. The 21-year-old earned his first senior appearance last season under Zinedine Zidane during the mid-season injury crisis.
Antonio Blanco grabbed his opportunity in the first team and performed impeccably well. So much so, it felt like Blanco had been part of the first team for a very long time. The 21-year-old midfielder likes playing deep as an anchor and is fantastic both on and off the ball.
He’s physically strong and wins possession back easily and is a calm-composed passer of the ball even in the tightest of spaces. Blanco is certainly one of Real Madrid’s most promising talents.
The signing of Eduardo Camavinga might limit his game-time as the two youngsters might end up competing for the same spot in the starting eleven. Nonetheless, there’s no denying the greatness and potential that Antonio Blanco has.
Carlo Ancelotti would have to rethink his plan for the season following the arrival of Camavigna and what’s in store for Antonio Blanco after the Frenchman’s arrival. Even if Blanco does not have an immediate future at the Spanish capital, it’s certain that he’s a player that Madrid will need in the years to come.
4. MIGUEL GUTIERREZ
Miguel Gutierrez is the real deal at Real Madrid. Like Antonio Blanco, Gutierrez got his debut last season under Zinedine Zidane during the injury crisis. The 20-year-old surprised most Real Madrid fans with his performances ( at least those who haven’t watched him with the Castilla). He was excellent for Madrid and contributed effectively to the attack and defence.
This season, Gutierrez started against Real Betis in La Liga and performed admirably throughout the game. His ability to attack and defend effectively makes him the second-best choice ahead of Marcelo at the left-back position.
With Marcelo still struggling with form and while Mendy continues to recover, Miguel Gutierrez has a golden shot at securing a prominent role in Carlo Ancelotti’s plans for the rest of the season. The 20-year-old is an upcoming phenomenon who can easily become one of the best players in his position.
Real Madrid have indeed found their rightful heir to Marcelo’s throne in Miguel Gutierrez. The Spaniard would most certainly replace the Brazilian next season when his current contract runs out with Los Blancos.
Exciting times await for Gutierrez at Madrid and this could be his breakthrough season before getting a more regular role in the following campaign post-Marcelo’s departure. Until then, let’s wait and watch how his story unfolds.
3. EDUARDO CAMAVINGA
Real Madrid pulled off a masterclass on deadline day when they signed Ligue 1’s most promising talent, Eduardo Camavinga. While the media and fans were so busy on Kylian Mbappe’s possible signing, Camavinga’s arrival/importance to the team and for the future of Real Madrid seems to have gone unnoticed.
The 18-year-old has been signed on a six-year deal until 2027 and could potentially be ready for his debut against Celta Vigo at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Frenchman is the perfect cover that Real Madrid has been needing for Casemiro in the past few years.
Despite his young age, Camavinga is an elite dribbler of the ball who can operate in the tightest of spaces. He’s shown a great sense of maturity and composure with Rennes and the French national team as well. At the age of 18, Camavinga gives off the impression of a seasoned midfielder.
While there is a lot to write home about his defensive qualities, he is equally talented moving forward as well. The former Renne midfielder thrives under pressure and can make his way through defenders easily with his nimble feet. He’s also got a sweet strike in him, watch his recent goal with France’s U-21 to see his shooting ability.
He’s got it all to be a success at Real Madrid and at the moment he’s certainly one of the most talented midfielders in all of Europe.
1. VINICIUS JR AND RODRYGO GOES
I can’t really put one above the other. Both of them are surreal talents who are unstoppable on their best days. For example, Vinicius Jr has been absolutely unstoppable in August. He’s scored three goals for Real Madrid already in La Liga in just 134 minutes and even replaced Eden Hazard in the starting eleven against Real Betis.
Carlo Ancelotti’s guidance seems to be working wonders with Vini. The Italian initially stated that he wanted more final output from the youngster and has specifically worked on limiting his touches in the final third. Vinicius’ decision-making has improved profoundly and he’s now become a serious threat for opponents.
Meanwhile, Rodrygo has always been promising and has often shown more composure than Vinicius since joining the club in 2019. His debut season was fantastic but his second campaign unfortunately was a poor one due to injuries.
This season, chances have been hard to come by for Rodrygo who has to compete with Gareth Bale for a spot in the eleven. Bale has been excellent so far and now looks to find his groove under Ancelotti after a rough time with Zinedine Zidane.
At the moment Vinicius is under the limelight and praise of the media but that should not take away the fact of how effective Rodrygo can be as well. Vini is the player in form right now but in terms of talent and potential, Vinicius and Rodrygo are on the same level.