Real Madrid C.F: Why Is Jose Callejon Essential in Overcoming FC Barcelona?

A product of Real Madrid's youth academy, José Maria Callejón is a 24-year-old Spaniard, but something sets him apart from his fellow graduates.

Unlike many who have gone through the youth ranks in Madrid, Callejón is actually playing for Real Madrid C.F. now, under the guidance of Jose Mourinho. Callejón has scored seven goals in 13 appearances in all competitions, impressing in his stint under Mourinho. 

Real Madrid's youth academy has taken a backseat in the priorities of management in recent years, as their rivals, FC Barcelona, have flourished through their youth academy. Real Madrid have often neglected their youth products often for extravagant, big money signings, a trait Barca are wary of.

That's not to say that Real have not produced talent over the years. They have produced skillful players who have gone to other pastures such as Juan Mata, Robert Soldado, Alvaro Negredo and Javi Garcia. The problem with Real Madrid goes beyond their ability to produce talent.

Real's youth products are hindered due to the management's youth policy. Real have often looked abroad to buy players with overwhelming price tags as opposed to giving their youth products and opportunity to shine on the grandest of stages.

Countless checks have been written up in the last few years in order to satisfy Real's quench for short term success in the form of a La Liga title. On the other hand, Barcelona have been patient, forming a philosophy, and bestowing it upon their youth products, creating a chemistry than can only be built over time. 

Iniesta, Xavi, Messi, Valdes, Pique, Fabregas, Busquets and Puyol are all players selected to play on a weekly basis by Pep Guardiola for Barcelona. All these players share another characteristic, they were produced by La Masia, Barcelona's youth academy, as well as the manager.

Iker Casillas and Alvaro Arbeloa are the only players in Real's potential XI to have gone through Real's youth ranks. This statistic is quite possibly the main reason as to why Barcelona have gone ahead of Real in recent years. 

Allowing players such as Callejón to grace the pitch along the first-team superstars is a step in the right direction for Real Madrid. Players such as Thiago will continue to be produced by La Masia, so it's Real's time to emulate that to a certain degree.

Real needs to strive for longevity as opposed to short-term gratification and look at players like Callejón more often. When they have placed trust upon their youth, they have created some of the most renowned talents to ever grace The Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, such as the spearhead shot-stopper Iker Casillas, the leading all-time goal scorer, Raul and the ingenious playmaker Guti.

It's time for Real to restore its youth academy, empower it and create more Callejóns. Callejón has given the youth hope that they will grace the famous Bernabéu alongside the Ronaldos and Benzemas of the world. Real Madrid may win La Liga in 2012, but without any emphasis on their youth academy, it will be nearly impossible for them to sustain that success.