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The signing of Isco shows the shift of focus at Madrid
It would be hard to argue that the 3 recruits so far do not bring a different dimension to a burgeoning squad – Isco has been hailed as one of the brightest prospects to have emerged in Spanish football. The young midfielder, who can play in several positions in attack brings the ability to unlock defenses with an hawk-eyed vision. Add to this, the ability to dribble at a fair notch and a scorching right foot ensure that Madrid have a talent that has the potential to scale heights in the not very distant future.
Asier Illaramendi, the most expensive signing of the trio is a graduate of Real Sociedad youth academy. The central midfielder played a key part in Sociedad’s ascend to the top rung of Spanish football. Known for his precision passing and ability to break up play, the midfielder is seen as a natural heir to Xabi Alonso, who has co-incidentally seen his stock plummet over the past season.
After making his senior breakthrough in the Bundesliga with Leverkusen, Carvajal was brought back to the Bernebeau as Real exercised their buy back clause. Over the past season, the young defender has impressed many suitors with his unerring consistency in one of the top leagues in Europe and being named in the top three right backs of the Bundesliga testify how his stock has risen over the past year. Inspite of being a solid full-back defensively, Arbeloa does not offer much in attack and the inclusion of Carvajal would definitely change that. It would be intriguing to see the partnership that Di Maria and Carvajal form down the right, given the Argentinian’s tendency to cut in-field, leaving a plenitude of space for the Spaniard to exploit.
Besides the trio of signings, the in-house talent of the club may well be provided with a launchpad this season. Jese Rodriguez, a bright yet raw potential has been touted as a future first squad player.
Zidane showed the desperation at Madrid to ensure the youngster stayed on at the Bernabeu - “Jese cannot move from here .We cannot lose him. He has to be in the first team with a renewed contract.”
Another one of the cantera stars who is expected to progress is striker Alvaro Morata. After making his breakthrough last season, the forward impressed in the U-21 Euros and is expected to feature more regularly this campaign. Defender Nacho Fernandez is also expected to make the jump provided there are no further signings in defense. Brazilian recruit Casemiro, who has fallen short of expectations since impressing at Sao Paulo will look to find that Midas touch which brought him many suitors, once again.
Youth has never been high on the agenda of Florentino Perez and Co. The club has always resorted to the short-cut of buying established talent rather than establishing talent itself. The previous attempt made at blooding young potential with proven talent viz a viz the Zidanes and Pavones did not bring the desired outcomes for the administration as well as the fans and it remains to be seen whether or not Carlo Ancelotti can manage to handle the dominance of stardom and the enthusiasm of youth at the same time, and lead Real to the coveted La Decima.
