Ranking the players of Real Madrid Castilla
Current Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane’s first coaching stint at the club was not with the first team. In fact, it was with Real Madrid Castilla, Real Madrid’s reserve team, where future stars bought from other countries and also from their own academy, La Fabrica, test themselves in the same league system as the first team, albeit a division lower.
This system is more beneficial compared to the one in England where there is a separate league because players get valuable experience of playing actual first teams. A number of Real Madrid stars have played for Castilla such as Iker Casillas, Raul and current Los Blancos striker Alvaro Morata. Although not as famous as Barcelona’s La Masia, La Fabrica has produced world-class stars throughout the decades.
Also Read: 8 Superstar Real Madrid academy graduates you probably did not know of
With the season coming to an end, now is a good opportunity to find out which players have improved over the season and whether they are ready to become a part of the first team in the near future. The current reserve team is in the third division of the Spanish top flight and is not in a position to clinch promotion to the second division this season.
So, here is the ranking of the players of Real Madrid Castilla based on their skill, potential and chances of making it to the first team.
#23 Alexandro Marco Craninx
Craninx joined Madrid youth ranks from Marbella in 2011 and has risen slowly through the ranks to become a squad member of Santiago Solari’s Castilla team in 2015. The 21-year old has won a Youth Champions Cup in 2014 and the tall goalkeeper has represented Belgium at the under-17 level.
Craninx is known for his bravery in the air and for being a vocal goalkeeper. However, time is running out for him as he did not play a single game this season for the reserve team and his future looks to lie elsewhere.
#21 Alejandro Salto Sánchez
Salto joined Real Madrid in 2012 and was a part of the B team this season. His playing time has however been limited to only 4 appearances despite training with the first team last October.
The Spaniard is a technical defender with pace, strength and is good in the air. However, without making an impact on this team, the 20-year old’s chances of playing for the first team can diminish quickly given his age.
#21 Javier Sánchez de Felipe
The 20-year old centre-back joined Real Madrid in 2005 and became a part of their B team at the start of this season. A tall defender who is two-footed thereby making him a versatile option. Although not physically imposing, his reading of the game and ability to bring the ball out from the defence are some of his strong traits.
Further, he is known for his character and has played 10 games so far for Castilla. It remains to be seen whether he can step up further by becoming a starter on the second team squad.
#20 Mario Rodríguez Ruiz
Born in Barcelona and joined Real Madrid from Cornella in 2011, the 20-year old midfielder is a creator with good vision. Football runs in his genes with his grandfather having played for Sporting Gijon.
Mario Rodriguez’s good technical ability might not get him into the first team with the likes of Isco and James Rodriguez finding themselves on the bench.
#19 Jaime Seoane Valenciano
One among a number of players to join Madrid in 2006, Seoane is a feisty midfielder who likes to dribble and possesses good technical ability. The 20-year old has 16 games for the reserve team and 5 games in the UEFA Youth League so far this season.
The middle of the park is an area where Madrid have an abundance of talent and players in the form of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Casemiro and Mateo Kovacic. As a result, it is difficult for players such as Seoane to get a look in.