Madrid Universal
·27 September 2022
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Yahoo sportsMadrid Universal
·27 September 2022
Real Madrid were dealt a major blow earlier in the campaign when Karim Benzema picked up a thigh injury. The forward, one of the favorites to win the 2022 Ballon d’Or award, was subsequently ruled out for a few weeks.
However, Real Madrid have coped well with the absence of Benzema, with the likes of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo coming to the fore.
But the lack of an alternative for Benzema remains a major issue for Real Madrid, especially with Mariano Diaz having no prominence in the first team. The former Lyon starlet is even set to depart the club in the near future.
In light of all this, Carlo Ancelotti has been criticized for not giving priority to the younger players in the academy, with many urging the coach to call up some of the top performers from the Real Madrid Castilla squad.
However, reacting to the issue, Castilla manager Raul has heaped praise on Ancelotti, suggesting that the senior team coach is aware of all the players in the subsidiary squad.
“Ancelotti knows about all the players here (Castilla),” said Raul (h/t MARCA). “It is very positive for the boys to see that we are all united: the first team, Castilla, with Ancelotti, with Davide…,” the Real Madrid legend added.
A host of Castilla starlets are already making a case for earning promotion to the senior side lately. The list involves the likes of Sergio Arribas, Rafa Marin, Carlos Dotor, and Peter, among many others.
As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see whether any of these youngsters can make a breakthrough into the first team.