A soccer coach in a dark blue jersey appears in the foreground while in the background two players compete for the ball in a match, one wearing a white uniform and the other wearing a blue uniform.
Xabi Alonso and Manuel Ángel in a play | Camara Real Madrid Confidencial
FIRST TEAM

Who is Manuel Ángel, the Real Madrid youth player Xabi wants to keep a close eye on

Xabi wants to see him live, is betting on him, and he is a player who is liked within La Fábrica

by

Borja Díaz

Xabi Alonso has arrived at Real Madrid with a clear intention to bet on young talent. He already showed this with Arda Güler, whom he didn't hesitate to give a leading role in the team's playmaking. He is also looking at the youth academy, turning to Gonzalo during the Club World Cup.

This is something he will keep doing, as has been shown with the start of preseason. Xabi has wanted to draft 3 players from the youth academy, and among them is Manuel Ángel. A midfielder whom the Tolosa native wants to keep a very close eye on to check his true level.

Real Madrid player in white uniform in action during a soccer match with a blurred opponent in the background
Manuel Ángel in a match | Real Madrid Confidencial

He is a 21-year-old player, who is highly valued at La Fábrica as a reinforcement for the midfield. His ability to cover a lot of ground is appreciated, as well as his ease in breaking lines. It's not unusual to see him creating play from the back or getting into the opponent's box.

This is why Xabi Alonso has wanted to call him up to check the real level Manuel Ángel can offer. He believes he could be one of the players he turns to throughout the season. He was already an important piece for Raúl, and with Arbeloa, he will have a leading role.

Offer from Primera División

This summer, Leganés has come to Valdebebas asking about the possible signing of Manuel Ángel. They believe he is a player who could have the potential to play in higher divisions and have made a move. But it doesn't seem that Real Madrid is considering his departure.

Man with a beard and dark hair smiles while wearing a white Real Madrid jersey on an outdoor training field
Arbeloa smiling | Real Madrid Confidencial

During last season, he suffered a lot with injuries, which forced him to stop and prevented him from having continuity. This is why they hope that this year at La Fábrica he has been able to leave all those problems behind. They believe the best thing is for him to be under Arbeloa's orders so he can keep progressing.

Manuel Ángel sees it positively since he has been motivated since preseason began. "Very happy to be captain for another year, I'm really looking forward to having a good season" he admitted a few days ago. He knows that Xabi Alonso will also keep a very close eye on him.

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