Short-haired man with a light beard and a serious expression, wearing a dark blue polo jersey; in the background, there is a blurred stadium, and in the upper left corner, there is a circle with the blurry image of a person dressed in white. — Xabi Alonso and the possible center-back who could make the leap to the first team | Real Madrid Confidencial

Camara — Xabi Alonso and the possible center-back who could make the leap to the first team | Real Madrid Confidencial

Surprise signing for the defense: They've already trained under Xabi Alonso's orders

The young center-back who has earned Xabi Alonso's trust to train with Real Madrid

16/08/2025 20:34:00h

Didac Aguirre

Strengthening the backline is one of the objectives Xabi had in mind after his arrival at Real Madrid. Huijsen's transfer, in addition to greatly reinforcing the defense, showed Xabi's trust in young talent. This trust has led him, as we know at Defensa Central, to draft Álvaro Lezcano to first-team training sessions.

The Real Madrid youth academy product is one of the great talents the club has. Under Álvaro Arbeloa's orders, the center-back became a key piece for Juvenil A. Although Arbeloa now manages Castilla after Raúl González Blanco's departure, Lezcano continues to stand out as a more than solid center-back.

Being able to perform both as a left and right center-back, Xabi Alonso has seen potential in him. Although he isn't expected to be part of the first team, his presence in training sessions is a big step for him. From having doubts about his career to becoming part of the merengue youth academy, Lezcano is a resilient player.

Man wearing an orange vest giving instructions during a soccer practice

Xabi Alonso leading a training session | Real Madrid Confidencial

The new gem of La Fábrica

At just 17 years old, Álvaro Lezcano has managed to show his potential to become an important center-back in the future. Having been part of the youth academy since 2024 in the Youth Football Base, his rise has been more than remarkable. In addition to his relevance at La Fábrica, Lezcano has become a key piece for the Spanish U-17 National Team.

Two players on a field, one wearing the white uniform of Real Madrid and the other wearing the red and white uniform of Atlético de Madrid.

Álvaro Lezcano during a youth team match against Atlético de Madrid | Real Madrid Confidencial

Unlike players his age, Álvaro has shown himself to be a very patient person. Moreover, his time in the youth academy has proven his preference for team play. Instead of being guided by individualism, Álvaro always looks to help his teammates.

One of his greatest qualities is his versatility on the field. In addition to his ability to perform in both center-back roles, Álvaro can also play as a left-back. His presence in first-team training sessions shows that Xabi has noticed his outstanding progress.

The center-back of the future

Although Álvaro is still very young, his performances in the youth academy are giving people a lot to talk about. If he continues with this progress, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him make his first-team debut. Even so, for now, Álvaro is focused on his goals with the national team and on the upcoming match against Atlético.

➡️ First Team