Real Madrid Confidencial Neither Leny Yoro nor Joan Martínez: the surprise center-back Xabi Alonso signs
The new Real Madrid coach will have a player he already managed in the past
Xabi Alonso faces his second stint as coach at Real Madrid after having previously worked as a coach in the youth academy. Back then, he noticed a player from Infantil A, who was introduced to him upon entering the locker room. That was Jacobo Ramón, his new protégé in that debut as manager, and fate, favorable for both, has brought them together again seven years later.
Today, Xabi Alonso has taken charge of the first team at Real Madrid. Meanwhile, Jacobo Ramón—the same goes for Chema—is part of Castilla and they have already debuted with the first team. Now, the dream is to stay in the first squad for the 2025/26 season.
In the imminent casting at La Fábrica heading toward the first team, some academy players have an advantage. Jacobo Ramón is not the only one, but he is one of the main symbols of a very special group: the Xabi Alonso generation.
Xabi Alonso knows the Madrid academy players very well
That group of 12- and 13-year-old boys had the privilege of being coached by a world champion. Some of them could meet the Donostiarra again. Among them, in addition to Jacobo Ramón's unmistakable curls and Chema's commanding presence, two other names also stood out.
One is Yusi, a left back, for whom the club is willing to listen to offers due to the surplus of players in that position. The other is Hugo de Llanos, a 20-year-old all-round midfielder who has experienced a transitional season across several categories. He started playing in the Youth League with Juvenil A, played with Real Madrid C, and accumulated minutes with Castilla.
Both represent the potential that keeps emerging from La Fábrica, now under the watchful eye of the man who once coached them: Xabi Alonso.
Chema has many chances to be in the first team
As of today, the one who seems most likely to establish himself in the final squad is Chema Andrés. In a Real Madrid with few options in midfield, the academy player offers versatility as a holding midfielder with great range. He has already shown this with Raúl in the reserves, and Carlo Ancelotti gave him minutes both in La Liga and in the Copa del Rey.
Meanwhile, if Jacobo Ramón manages to overcome the "shyness" that Ancelotti referred to, he will also have real chances. However, the competition in the center of defense is very fierce, especially with the presence of young players like Dean Huijsen and Joan Martínez.
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