Three youth team stars could make their Real Madrid debut against Rayo Vallecano | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s squad list to take on Rayo Vallecano features some interesting inclusions and everything points to the fact that as many as three youth team players are in line to make their senior team debut.

These players, who have been included in the squad for the first time, are striker Victor Munoz, full-backs Lorenzo Aguado and Youssef Enriquez, and goalkeeper Sergio Mestre.

Munoz, who is 21 years old, has been named to Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for the first time, while Lorenzo, at 22, and Enriquez, at just 19, are also on the bench. Mestre, the third-choice goalkeeper, is 19 years old.

This move by Ancelotti signals a shift towards placing more trust in the academy, similar to how other players like Raul Asencio have risen through the ranks.

Talent… not a necessity

It is clear that the manager is actively monitoring the youth talent at the club, giving opportunities to players who have been involved with the team, even if they have not made their debut yet. This approach shows a growing belief in the club’s youth system.

Three Real Madrid youngsters could make their debut against Rayo Vallecano. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

A notable recent example is Dani Yanez, who made his debut for the senior team at just 17 years old against Girona, after a standout season with the Juvenil A team.

This shows that Real Madrid’s youth development is not only about filling spots due to injury but also about nurturing real talent.

Ancelotti’s decision to rely more on the academy comes as the first team has faced a series of injuries this season.

The manager has already called up 12 players from Castilla, Real Madrid C, and Juvenil A to train and play with the senior squad. However, one player who has stood out is Asencio, who has firmly secured his place in the first team.

After playing seven games and starting matches against tough opponents like Liverpool and Athletic Bilbao, he has proven himself as a key player.

This shift represents a change in Ancelotti’s usual approach, and it seems that the youth players at Real Madrid are starting to get their chance to prove themselves at the highest level.

With young talent like Munoz, Lorenzo, and Enriquez, there is hope that they can make an impact in the senior team soon.