Real Madrid are set to kickstart the new season next midweek as they take on Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup final.
Carlo Ancelotti has already kickstarted the preparation for the Atalanta game, but first, the Real Madrid coach must finalise a squad to face the Italian outfit.
To that end, Ancelotti has an acute problem. He needs an additional defender to cover the centre-back position in light of David Alaba and Jesus Vallejo’s injuries.
As a result, Ancelotti must select a youth player who participated in the pre-season tour to the US, as part of the final squad.
Who are the candidates?
As reported by MARCA, three names have come into focus, as Real Madrid look to select a youth player to be a part of the squad vs Atalanta.
The three youth players in question are Joan Martinez, Raul Asencio and Jacobo Ramon. All three were a part of the US tour but only one may make the cut.
All three players participated in two of the three friendlies in the US, with Joan Martinez, in particular, making headlines for the immense potential he has shown so far.
But both Asencio and Jacobo are viable options, with the former being a part of first-team protocol for months now. He is also the most senior of the three and has extensive experience playing for the reserve squad.
Ancelotti has three days to finalise this squad and this period could be crucial in helping him reach a final conclusion. One would expect the Italian to closely assessment all three youngsters in training in the coming days.