Who Are Real Madrid's UEFA Youth League Winners?
By Adam Aladay
Real Madrid have finally secured their first UEFA Youth League title, although they were made to work for it in the final.
Madrid's clash with Benfica was gripping, with Los Blancos edging a five-goal thriller. With Raul's men leading 2-0 and 3-1 during the contest, it appeared as though there was only ever going to be one winner, but Benfica continued to push until the final whistle. They were even presented with the chance to make it 3-3 from the penalty spot, but Luis Lopez produced an outstanding save.
Despite their best efforts, it ended in heartbreak for Benfica as they ended up on the wrong side of the scoreline for the third time in the final of the competition. But for Madrid's youngsters, it was the perfect way to round off what has been a series of ruthless and sublime displays.
Following their success, it's been suggested as many as ten youngsters could be called up to the first team for pre-season training. But the question on the tip of a number of tongues is undoubtedly: who on earth are these guys though?
Well, fear not, because we at 90min are about to answer all your queries regarding this talented Real group. Here's a closer look at who they are and why they are rated so highly...
1. Goalkeepers
Luis Lopez - One of the most exciting goalkeepers in Real's youth ranks, Luis Lopez was given the nod in the final and repaid the manager's faith with a penalty save. Still only 19, Luis plays with a real maturity and has excellent decision making. At well over 6' tall, shot-stopping is a major strength of his.
Toni Fuidias - Fuidias has been in La Fabrica for quite some time, and is another who is very highly regarded. While he is even taller than Luis, Fuidias is extremely agile and exudes confidence. Zinedine Zidane has been keeping an eye on the shot-stopper's progression.
Lucas Canizares - Lucas currently occupies the unfortunate third-choice goalkeeper slot, but still only 18, he has time on his side. He excels in one-on-one situations, but requires more time to develop his overall game.
2. Full-Backs
Sergio Santos (RB) - Pace, versatility and a constant hunger and desire to succeed, Santos has been a regular starter at youth level. With Achraf Hakimi having left the club this summer, there is a growing belief that Santos could be the man to replace him in the first-team squad in the long-term.
Miguel Gutierrez (LB) - Miguel - who has been with the club since 2011 - is a versatile defender, capable of playing either in central defence or at left-back. In his preferred left-back position, he enjoys getting forward to support attacks, with his goal in the final highlighting that. The Under-19 Spain international has caught the eye of Zidane, and has already made his debut for the first team in a pre-season game. Gutierrez is a player who could very soon be called up to the first team on a more regular basis.
Lucas Alcazar (LB) - Alcazar hasn't been with Real for long and is yet to really establish himself in the starting lineup. He's a tough tackling defender who enjoys his defensive duties, but surges forward when his side are in possession.
3. Centre-Backs
Pablo Ramon - Another defender with outstanding potential. Ramon can play anywhere across the back line, but his skills make him most effective as a centre-back. As modern day defenders are, he is more than capable on the ball, but he is a no-nonsense tackler and reads the game well - like a certain Sergio Ramos. He may have only joined in 2019, but there's plenty of excitement regarding Ramon.
Victor Chust - Chust is the leader at the back, organising and marshalling his defence, while also making crunching challenges to dispossess his opponents. Considering his maturity and composure, it appears to be only a matter of time before he's given a chance in the first team.
Alvaro Carrillo - Carrillo has largely been a squad player for La Fabrica, but he's been assured when called upon. While he is still a rough diamond at this stage in his career, he has shown flashes of quality - notably his range of passing.
4. Midfielders
Antonio Blanco - With Zidane keen on finding a long-term Casemiro replacement, the club have been linked with the likes of Eduardo Camavinga. But why fork out hefty amounts when the Frenchman has the answer to his problems in Castilla? Antonio Blanco is a confident tactician in the centre of the park, capable of doing both sides of the game. A very exciting talent.
Carlos Dotor - Every team needs a Carlos Dotor. Reliable, hard working and plays with a real intensity, Dotor is a valuable squad player in Castilla. However, he also possesses real quality through his passing and eye for goal.
Xavi Zintes - Originally joining as a centre-back, Sintes' positioning and reading of the game has seen him develop into a defensive midfielder. He's calm and collected on the ball, providing an outlet for teammates.
Sergio Arribas - Arribas has long been mentioned as a potential star of the future at Real. In fact, Zidane invited him to train with the first team for the first time almost three years ago and he has continued to grow as a footballer since. Often regarded to as the Assist King, Arribas can carve open a defence with one eye-of-the-needle pass.
Ivan Morante - Signed this year for around £6m, Morante has drawn comparisons with Manchester City's Rodri with regards to his playing style as he creates space for himself with ease. Los Blancos beat both City and Barcelona to his signature, and he's proven since his arrival why so many clubs were battling for him.
5. Wingers/Forwards
Marvin Park - A product of Tranmere Rovers' youth team. Yes, really. Marvin spent three years at Prenton Park before moving on. The 20-year-old - who can play as an attacking midfielder or on the wing - is renowned for his electric pace and direct style.
Jordi - Another player to have already had a taste of first-team training. Jordi is quick, agile and more than capable of embarrassing an opponent. Oh, and his cousin is Mario Hermoso - who plays for Atletico Madrid.
Oscar Aranda - One of the younger members of the squad, Aranda will be hoping for greater opportunities in Castilla over the coming season. He's a tricky right-footed player who plays on the left, and is most dangerous when given space to dribble.
Peter Gonzalez - Peter - who signed his first professional deal with the club in 2018 - has a bright future. He's a particularly tough customer to deal with as he is capable of going both ways and using either foot, allowing himself to link up well with those around him.
6. Strikers
Juan Miguel Latasa - A tall, powerful centre-forward who simply bullies defenders into doing what he wants, Latasa is a constant menace. The 19-year-old also links play well and is ruthless in front of goal.
Pablo Rodriguez - After his side's win, Pablo Rodriguez admitted he was flattered that he has been compared to his boss Raul in terms of style play. Now, we won't get ahead of ourselves here, but there are similarities. Pablo has also claimed he studies Karim Benzema's game.
Israel Salazar - A goalscoring machine. Salazar has finished as the top goalscorer in every competition he has played in frequently, bagging over 150 in total for Real Madrid's various youth groups so far. Salazar is regarded as arguably the brightest young talent at the club, but he has attracted a lot of interest from a number of top European clubs. Oh, and he's also just turned 17.
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