19-year-old Real Madrid ace reminds Carlo Ancelotti of Gianluigi Buffon

The Real Madrid goalkeeping situation has been a topic of discussion in recent months. Thibaut Courtois suffered a long-term injury before the start of the 23/24 season. That resulted in the club bringing in Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan from Chelsea. But soon enough, Andriy Lunin was successful in establishing himself as the number one choice between the posts.

Lunin was world-class and helped Real Madrid win La Liga and reach the Champions League final. Yet, when Courtois returned to fitness late in the season, he went straight back into the starting XI while the 25-year-old returned to being the cover goalkeeper.

Naturally, Lunin is believed to be considering his future at the club this summer. There is just a year left on his current deal and a number of top clubs around Europe are believed to be interested in signing him.

If Lunin was to leave, Real Madrid would need a cover option for Courtois. There has been speculation about making a permanent move for Kepa in that scenario. But it looks like they have an intriguing youngster at the club already. One who reminds Carlo Ancelotti of a certain Gianluigi Buffon.

19-year-old Real Madrid ace reminds Carlo Ancelotti of Gianluigi Buffon

As reported by The Athletic, club sources say Ancelotti calls 19-year-old goalkeeper, Fran Gonzalez, his “Buffon”. That is because his 6ft 6in frame reminds him of the Italian icon.

The youngster is comfortable coming off his line and is extremely agile. This is going to be the third season that he has trained with the first-team.

If Gonzalez turns out to be even half as good as Buffon then Real Madrid would have one of the best goalkeepers in the world on their hands. Of course, with Courtois being at the club, first-team football seems quite far away for the youngster right now.