Real Madrid might not be famous for being a side who invests in youth – at least not like certain Premier League giants – but when the right talent comes along, they pounce and ensure they give him the right time to develop.
They've done it recently with Gonzalo Higuain, Isco, Raphael Varane and even with some legendary figures like Karim Benzema, Sergio Ramos, and Marcelo. But at this time and age, with the kind of talent coming through, the club can't afford to sit back and let the rest of the competition.
Here's looking at some of the best under-23 players in world football who could greatly benefit Real Madrid:
#1 Dele Alli
Right now, given the kind of form he's been, there isn't a single club in the world that wouldn't benefit from signing Dele Alli. The 20-year-old is the go-to player for the North London club and given his age and experience, it's incredible how he's been able to handle all the pressure and best of all, deliver consistently.
Alli has made 29 appearances this season and has already scored 13 goals in all competitions while also contributing 5 assists. Those aren't normal stats for someone who just outgrew the tag of being a teenager.
The Englishman is contracted to the North London club till 2022 and signing him would prove to be a herculean task but Real Madrid have the experience with dealing with Daniel Levy when they signed both Luka Modric and Gareth Bale. Signing the 20-year-old will prove to be a masterstroke by Florentino Perez and could guarantee success for years to come should it happen.
#2 Romelu Lukaku
It's time to admit that the experiment of signing Alvaro Morata back from Juventus has failed. Although it's only been six months, the Spaniard is yet to really impress anyone within the club let alone any of his critics.
Morata is still young and it's only because of that will Real Madrid be able to sell him on for a profit to interested clubs. But who could they sign to replace him? Romelu Lukaku would be the perfect signing.
The Belgian has been sensational ever since arriving on British shores – barring the first year at Chelsea where he failed to play much – and he's grown and grown to become one of the best young forwards in the game. Still only 23, he has the world within his grasp and could very well go on to become a legend should he continue his present trajectory.
#3 Julian Weigl
Luka Modric isn't getting younger and it doesn't look like Casemiro can learn to pass like the Croatian anytime soon. While they do have Toni Kroos who operates at the heart of the midfield, the club need someone young who can come in, learn and take over from Modric for as long as he plays.
And who better than Borussia Dortmund's Julian Weigl? The German international has already been tipped to become the 'next Sergio Busquets’ by a host of pundits and journalists. He's only 21 and has the passing range and the composure of someone who's approaching his 30th birthday.
Weigl is heavily linked with a move to English Premier League giants Manchester City to join Pep Guardiola but should Real Madrid move ahead in the queue, they'll be signing one fo the top young midfielders in the game. Weigl doesn't look like he's an ember in the flame, but instead someone who could stay bright for the rest of his playing career.
#4 Marquinhos
Yes, Real Madrid already have one of the best young defenders in Raphael Varane but if they were to sign Marquinhos from Paris Saint-Germain any time soon, they’ll be assured of a steady future and a back two capable of becoming the best defensive duo we’ve seen in a while.
Both of them might be right-footed and that might prove to be a problem in the game but their versatility to play across multiple positions across the back-four will outweigh all the negatives. They’re both quick, they’re both extremely athletic and they both have the winning mentality that the club has gotten used to under Sergio Ramos.
The Brazilian is yet to agree on a new long-term contract with the club with his current deal set to expire at the end of the 2018/2019 season. Should Real Madrid make their move and try to sign him in the upcoming summer transfer window, it’ll prove to be an extremely valuable and smart purchase.
#5 Paulo Dybala
I guess most of you expected this guy to be the number 1 person on this slide. 23-year-old Paulo Dybala is the second most valuable under-23 player in the world behind former teammate Paul Pogba.
Dybala is pretty much the most complete under-23 forward in the game at the moment. He’s excellent in front of goal, has the finesse and the flair to match Real Madrid’s off-field demands and continues to grow with every game he plays for the Old Lady.
Dybala will not come cheap, however, but that isn’t something Real Madrid could have a problem with. He has a contract with the Turin club till 2020 and could be in for a shock player plus cash swap deal including former teammate Alvaro Morata given the club are interested in re-signing him.
Real Madrid need an injection of young players capable of changing games on their game and they cannot go wrong with their pursuit of Dybala. He’s the complete package.
