“Money, coat of arms and valuables matter, but the issue has gone beyond dark brown” | Relief

Real Madrid, for almost everyone the biggest, most prestigious, most informed and winning club in history, is enjoying a glorious period full of titles, with four possible Ballon d’Or awards (Vinicius, Carvajal, Bellingham and Mbappe). its composition, skyrocketing market value, working management and a renovated stadium that, with or without concerts, will increase prestige and revenue. For this reason, perhaps there are virtually no critical voices (few sources for discussion), and minor problems remain unnoticed. But there are problems: The club’s low commitment to its youth, now in the spotlight following Carvajal’s injury, is already causing concern among top players, parents, agents and advisors some have rethought the comfort of wearing the country’s great jewels in white. While Barça, with no room to spend, leads La Liga with half past ten, without permission to enter nightclubs, Young players do not settle in Chamartín without completing their military service in Nacho. and those who achieve it from without, such as Carvajal or Fran Garcia, must make several detours and awaken the attention of the great men of Europe so that they will return.

Players of different ages, representatives of various departments and family members mainly play two things in favor of Madrid: shield “that hypnotizes”especially the boys who grew up as fans of the club and made their dream come true; as well as economic power and offers, which if the player has doubts, usually quickly dispels them. Many people put their peace of mind and that of their loved ones before going to clubs that offer them the best sports projects. The agent explains it this way: “By positioning yourself, you stand out in the youth teams or in the teams of the First Federation, and, for example, Villarreal B and Real Madrid want you. Villarreal offers you €70,000 a year and more first team options… and Madrid gives you €150,000 to join Castilla, even though you know you have virtually no first team options . Most people choose Madrid in this situation. And I find this quite understandable and worthy of respect.”

Since Valdebebas recruits the best talent and not all of them are suitable, the “jam” that forms later is noteworthy. “And it has been a long time since Madrid looked at grassroots football as a source of supply for the first team; This is, simply put, a “Money Making Factory”: they train, achieve results, and then sell at a high price. With the help of Rafa Marin, they are already neutralizing all the costs that may arise over the course of many years,” he gives an example. The centre-back, who stood out among the reserve team and was loaned to Alaves, was transferred to Alaves this summer. Naples for 12 million euros. Since 2010, more than 200 “kilograms” have been sold: out of the 43 that remained in the box. Achrafplayed one season in the first team, compared to 13.3 received two summers ago for Antonio Blanco, Arribas, Dotor and Oscar Arandaalmost without the presence of older people. 20 received RDT, 13.5 – Oscar Rodriguez and 11 – Diego Llorente.

“Now the scenario is this: you sign with Madrid because of an offer or because you grew up watching Cristiano, Benzema and company win titles and you want to wear the same shirt as them,” says the father a promising footballer who left Valdebebas three seasons ago and is now proving his worth outside: “First, in addition to the contract, they convince you with means: impressive sports city, best fields, best changing rooms, best residence, best coaches, swimming pool… And it’s true that it should be appreciated because it helps you grow and the youth team has outstanding coaches. but then, when you do your best and see that the first team barrier cannot be overcome, you get upset.”

Carvajal’s triple breakdown made it clear that the entity’s view of the quarry on a purely sporting level is rather oblique. The one from Leganes will miss the whole season, but the options for promoting the young man from Castilla or Juvenil A, despite such gems as Jesus Forteaseem like a utopia. “If Carvajal is not there, Lucas will play. And if not, then Militao. If not, then inverted leg mehndi. And if not, then Mbappe as a defender. Let’s not hope too much,” explains the team representative. players at the core. The message has already reached the children: “They know what it is. Playing for Madrid is something unique, but it is demotivating for them to know that no matter how well they perform, opportunities will not come their way. “The problem has already turned dark brown.”

In recent years there have been several players who have decided to leave. motu proprio White House to make progress on other fronts. From Alvaro Carreraswho is now a starter for the U-21 national team and shines for Benfica, He decided to move to Manchester United. in adolescence; a resounding farewell to Paulo Iago this summer after, despite having one more year left on his contract, do everything possible to go to Portuguese Sporting and see that their chances of ascending into the club structure have increased, and they have a real future project – playing in the first team. Carreras, in an interview with Relevo, described his situation as follows: “In Madrid, there are 800,000 players ahead to reach Castilla. I was just another kid from the academy. At United I felt special: they made me a sports offer that convinced me: I spent a month and a half in the U-18s, At the age of 17, I was already playing for the U-23 national team and soon got into the dynamic of training with the main team.”

A footballer who played for Castilla for two years gives a different perspective and a positive side that also exists: “When you sign for Madrid, even if it’s a youth team, your price goes up. Reaching a branch means there will be plenty of offers and significant sums waiting for you if you decide to leave. “Wearing this shirt gives you prestige and protects you.”. To see this, just look at Raúl Castilla’s squad last season: Of the 14 who left, five ended up in the First Division, eight in the Second. and only Esteban Aparicio, who actually had a C record, signed with a First Federation team (Alcorcon, recently relegated and aiming for promotion).

Another plus to consider, of course, is human learning. “My player arrived there wild and he came out a different man. Real Madrid have values ​​and discipline that, although some people ignore it, educate you.“, says the agent. The player praises Raoul for the same thing: “What was said about him not allowing us to use toiletries and wanting us all to walk the same way is not how it was reflected in the press, but he doesn’t like nonsense.” and if he has to yell at you during a session or tell you to your face that you’re going to screw up, he does it. It goes straight. Some carry other people’s corpses; “If a player doesn’t have minutes, it’s usually because of something people don’t know, not because of the whim of the coach.”

In several conversations the names of Andres Pardo (Head of Recruitment) and Abian Perdomo, Head of Methodology are mentioned. Madrid, like players, usually sign the best to fill all areas. And although some question the work Manu Fernandezdirector of the quarry, who finds as many defenders as detractors, he points the dart above and, above all, at the impossibility of a talent falling under the command of Ancelotti and enjoying continuity.

For this reason, says the youth team manager of a First Division club that is currently in a good position in the table, there are more and more voices that would not recommend that a star who is starting to look at professionalism commit his future to Real Madrid: “I I think it’s sporty It’s better to go to another team that pays you less and give you the confidence that if you stick to it, you will have the opportunity to grow and play in the First Division.” Madrid, making strong arguments that are difficult to answer, He expects his squad to be filled with the best on the planet (“this is the world’s team”) and that whoever takes the field must be prepared to accept pressure and excel rather than submit. That’s why it’s positive to see Nico Paz maturing in Como: if he continues like this, he’ll retrace his steps to the one he blazed in Carvajal. But that was 11 years ago…