Over the last number of years, we have seen a number of veteran Real Madrid players depart the club for the next steps of their careers as the club transitions to the next generation of players who are expected to lead the club to just as much, if not more, success than the old generation.
Players like Karim Benzema, Casemiro, Sergio Ramos as well as others have all served their time at the club and have seen it come to an end as the younger players are phased into the starting lineup. Another of those veteran players who departed the club was Marcelo.
The Brazilian was a key player in all of Real Madrid's success for over 15 years and is without a doubt a legend of the club. In the time since he departed the club, the left-back position has been hit or miss during any given season. The club has achieved success with both Ferland Mendy and Fran García playing at left-back, however neither player managed to make the position their own.
Xabi Alonso's major plan this summer was to completely reshape the defense to fit his philosophy and the club have done just that. The signings of Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold have been great signings, however, the other defensive signing has arguably been the most important.
It took 3 years for Real Madrid to finally replace Marcelo
The arrival of left-back Álvaro Carreras from Benfica has arguably been the key signing of this summer window. The 22-year-old started out as an academy product before leaving for trips abroad, establishing himself most at Benfica, where he earned himself a return home.
Many have likened the Spaniard to Marcelo and believe he is the true successor to the Brazilian legend. In the Real Madrid squad, Álvaro Carreras leads the squad in:
• 1st in progressive passes
• 1st in blocks
• 2nd in interceptions
• 2nd in progressive carries
• 2nd in touches
• 2nd in passes completed
• 2nd in final 3rd passes
• 3rd in clearances
He is also the fullback with the most interceptions (27) in the top five leagues this season. Carreras is a breath of fresh air to Real Madrid fans who have long believed Ferland Mendy and Fran García weren't good enough to be Real's long-term left-back option. Carreras is already a key player in Xabi Alonso's system and given he is only 22, he has all the potential in the world at his feet.