A surprise option to be Karim Benzema’s backup in 2022/23
Real Madrid‘s 2021/22 season has officially concluded, and with the transfer window drawing near, Real’s quest for squad renovation has begun. The striker pedestal presently held by Karim Benzema is one such position the Spanish club seeks to fortify with backups, but it appears that what Real Madrid is searching for on the market is already existent in their own backyard.
According to Marca, Castilla striker Juan Miguel Latasa has surfaced as one of the possibilities the club might examine as Benzema’s backup for next season.
Under Raul’s tutelage, the 21-year-old scored 13 goals in 30 appearances for the youth squad last season, which drew Ancelotti’s attention, and he was also called up for several games with the first team, where he made his debut against Cadiz.
Real Madrid may have found the perfect suitor for Benzema’s baton in Juanmi Latasa
The 6’3″ left-footed attacker recalls Erling Haaland’s playing style due to the enormous physical power of his towering height, which also allows him to be a darting menace on set pieces; the youngster’s abilities are many yet raw.
Latasa is known in Castilla for his intelligent off-the-ball movement and commendable positioning, which are aided by immense finishing quality, making him particularly dangerous in the opponent’s box not only with his flashing shots but also with prompt yet ferocious passing that results in brilliant assists and chances created.
Ever since his move to La Fabrica in 2016, the Spaniard has played a crucial role in the team as a pure “9” which as previously said earned him a few minutes with the first team recently. His debut game against Cadiz looked promising and subtly demonstrated the qualities he brings to the table.
An official promotion will expose Latasa to a larger setting of the game, which will not only help him improve individually, but will also benefit the team in ways that Luka Jovic and Mariano Diaz may not be able to.
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If anything, Real Madrid’s relatively new strategy of entrusting the younger generation rather than recruiting big-money players has proven beneficial in the instances of Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo Goes, and it may only strengthen the argument for Latasa to be brought up as Benzema’s backup striker for the upcoming season.