Jesus Vallejo Among Real Madrid Loanees Proving Their Potential for the Future

Real Madrid have made a reasonably big deal out of having several cantera graduates in their squad this season, having re-signed Alvaro Morata to play in the same squad as the likes of Dani Carvajal, Lucas Vazquez and Nacho.

They have not all have arrived to the first-team scene in the expected manner, some via loans and transfers away before returning to the Santiago Bernabeu. But it shows the emphasis from the club on having players who have been through the system, one way or another, as often as possible—as long as talent allows, of course.

The next crop who might play a part are those away on loan, starring for other clubs or learning their trade. It is Jesus Vallejo who is perhaps making the biggest impact, though not so much under the spotlight as others who have remained in La Liga.

Vallejo, then and now

Having spent last season on loan at his former club, Real Zaragoza, Vallejo had endured a mixed campaign: some good performances, a recurring injury and a run of games out of the team as Zaragoza failed to gain promotion from La Segunda. Vallejo had hoped to return to Real Madrid this season, but as we suggested when profiling the centre-back over the summer, he wasn't quite ready to challenge the likes of Pepe and Raphael Varane.

Instead, a loan to the Bundesliga and Eintracht Frankfurt materialised, and there, he has flourished so far.

Having started the campaign on the bench, Vallejo has come into the side for the last five Bundesliga matches in succession, helping the team up to eighth place in the process. Having completed over 90 per cent of his passes so far (per WhoScored.com), he's among the top players in the league in that regard, just above Mats Hummels.

It's not all simple balls into his full-backs or holding midfielders, either; Vallejo averages over three long balls per game and his metronomic ability to start play from deep has impressed onlookers.

A composed outlet from the back, Vallejo has shown he is unafraid to remain on the ball in defensive zones even under pressure, but when afforded room in front of him, he is a starting point for Eintracht's willingness to move swiftly from winning back the ball to going on the offensive.

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Defensively, he has looked assured and alert, covering well in the full-back area in particular, playing on the left side of central defence.

Real Madrid, present and future

It seems Vallejo's determination to catch the eye at his parent club is working; AS recently reported that Los Blancos were holding off on a new contract for veteran centre-back Pepe because Vallejo was seen as a candidate to replace him in the squad after "performing to a high level" in Germany.

With Varane and Pepe set to be tested alongside each other over the next month due to Sergio Ramos' absence through injury, it's an opportunity for the Frenchman in particular to establish himself as the No. 1 choice at the back—though also for the Portuguese man to show he still has lots to offer.

Nacho is the alternative utility man, but Vallejo must be seen as the front-runner to be either the third or fourth centre-back in the next season or two.

Alessandra Tarantino/Associated Press

UEFA Champions League winners or not, Madrid have been porous defensively and riddled with individual errors this season, and whether by coaching, tactical alterations or personnel changes, that must improve.

Vallejo is right to indicate he has to work hard to realise his ambitions.

Even as a talented youngster, the path to Real Madrid senior football is a tough one to tread; now established as a Spain international right-back, Carvajal needed time away to break into the side, and the same goes for Morata. On the other hand, Marco Asensio proves that enough quality and consistency must force its way through sooner in some cases.

And Vallejo isn't the only defensive-minded youngster hoping to crack the 25 at Zidane's disposal.

Los Llorentes

The Madrid-focused media in Spain has found a new discussion in recent weeks: the possibility of bringing back Marcos Llorente in January, from his current home at Alaves.

It seems unlikely that such a move will happen—AS report talks will take place between the clubs but the impending FIFA ban is just one of the obstacles to a return—but both Llorente youngsters, Diego being the other, could have offered cover for the first team this term.

With the injury to Casemiro, and even Luka Modric, forcing Toni Kroos deeper in midfield, one of the Llorente youngsters could have occupied a holding-midfield role for the coming month. Instead, they're both elsewhere, gaining significant game time in a bid to break into Madrid's squad in future.

Diego Llorente is a potential squad option for next season, having impressed again at Malaga this term—he was on loan at Rayo Vallecano last year—and AS claim he's on track to be brought back into the fold at the Bernabeu for 17/18, just as Marcos is.

• Elsewhere, there is not such good news for Borja Mayoral. He has yet to play a single league minute for Wolfsburg and has been on the bench only once in the Bundesliga.
• Burgui is a regular starter for Sporting Gijon in La Liga. Direct and pacy, he's perfect for a lower side, but has next to no chance of a recall.
• Alaves wanted Mariano in the summer, and Real Madrid may loan him to the club in January if they can bring back Marcos Llorente, AS report.

The loan system is, by and large, working well for Real Madrid this term, and if they can add to their current squad by perhaps two more youngsters next year, both players and team will be all the better for their time away—and Vallejo is making the best case so far.

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