Real Madrid's Young Guns: An U-21 Best XI to Face the Future

Not being known as a fan-pleasing hippie, Jose Mourinho was never going to be one for sticking a plucky, promising youngster into the grown-up Real Madrid team on the basis of sentimentality. Indeed, the outgoing Bernabeu boss had a bit of a tiff with the club’s second team, Castilla, over the age, quality and tactical abilities of Madrid’s youth team product. 

In the eyes of the Portuguese coach, if a footballer was good enough then he was old enough to play for him. Indeed, Mourinho was true to this philosophy with Alvaro Morata and Nacho becoming regulars in the first-team squad, as well as the promotion of Raphael Varane as one of the first choice centre-backs ahead of the older—but not necessarily wiser—Pepe. 

Still, in putting together a Real Madrid U-21 XI—and the footballers in question must fit that age criteria on the date of publication—it is necessary to rummage a long way into the Real Madrid hamper, down into Spain’s regional leagues where the club’s third team go about their business. 

Goalkeeper, Ruben Yanez (19)

The club’s "promising" third and fourth choice keepers, Adan and Jesus, who are regular first-team squad members, are actually in their mid-20s. It really is time to make that move to Getafe. Castilla’s No. 1, Tomas, is 24—so it is necessary to field third teamer, Ruben Yanez, who pounced on an injury to Fernando Pacheco between the sticks to have a fine season for his side?

Right-back, Fabinho (19)

The Brazilian defender is on loan from Rio Ave, so he just fits into the selection’s criteria. Fabinho is certainly a footballer the club will be looking at signing on a more permanent basis after 28 appearances so far this season for Castilla. Fabinho also got a bit of a run around for the first team proper, with a 14-minute cameo against Malaga in early May. 

Centre-back, Raphael Varane (20)

Raphael Varane is perhaps the finest young defending talent in world football today. The French youngster has had an outstanding campaign for the first team and excelled in La Liga and Champions League by popping half-decent footballers such as Leo Messi and Carlos Tevez into his Gallic pocket. 

Centre-back, Diego Llorente (19)

Diego Llorente was one of the finds of the year for the Real Madrid youth system with the defender starting the season in the club’s third team and even making it to the first-team squad.

What makes Llorente, who has found a spot in Spain’s U-20 side for this summer’s FIFA World Cup, a fantastic prospect is the footballer’s versatility. The youngster is able to play in every position across the back four. 

Left-back, Javier Garcia-Noblejas (20)

A consistent performer for Madrid’s "C" team, Javier Garcia-Noblejas is another footballer expected to make the step up to Castilla fairly soon. 

Midfielder, Alex Fernandez (20)

Alex Fernandez is a tireless box-to-box midfielder who must now be ready for more minutes in the first team after a solid campaign with Castilla that saw the side consolidate its position in Spain’s second division. 

Midfielder, Jose Rodriguez (18)

This is a bit of a blast from the recent past. The central defender made a few waves in November after scoring a lovely effort for the first team in a Copa del Rey victory against Alcoyano.

The 18-year-old is definitely a footballer who caught the eye of Mourinho but was not able to feature more for the first team.

“He has potential and the time to progress to be a first team player, not just to pass through but to arrive and stay. That is the most important. If it is possible he would play more, as he plays very little and it is important for him to have more minutes,” the Madrid boss said to ESPN FC's Miguel Delaney.

Midfielder, Alvaro Medran (19)

A breakthrough footballer for the side’s third team, Alvaro Medran is a playmaker with a fine finish in his boot who has already attracted the interest of Spain’s international youth sides. 

Forward, Jese Rodriguez (20)

Jese Rodriguez is the next big thing of the Real Madrid youth system. This supremely talented forward has knocked in 21 goals for Castilla so far this season.

However, a proper run of games for the first team has yet to be witnessed with Mourinho explaining that there was no role for the Spain U-20 player in his tactical setup, according to Delaney.

“There are Castilla players that play in positions that do not exist in the first team, like Jese (Rodriguez) who plays as a nine-and-a-half.”

Forward, Alvaro Morata (20)

The striker’s ability to play across a front three, as well as big-game composure, sees Alvaro Morata having progressed from the occasional spot in the first-team squad when there is an injury crisis, to regular participant.

The Spain U-21 international has played in 12 league games this season, even starting the clash at home to Barcelona. It is a string of appearances that has produced two goals. Many more are expected next year. 

Forward, Raul de Tomas (18)

An old-fashioned No. 9 to complement the more mobile Morata and Jese. De Tomas is far from being a finished product but has shown pace, aggression and some fine finishing skills for the club’s "C" team.