Real Madrid's defense is in a crisis. David Alaba is still injured and will take a while to return, while Dani Carvajal, sometimes covering as a centre-back, is also out with a serious injury.
The club needs urgent solutions and in the midst of this situation, a surprise has emerged from the youth system: Víctor Valdepeñas. This youngster from Madrid C is dazzling everyone. According to Marca, he is so good that he has even surprised Florentino Pérez.
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Even Sergio Ramos is amazed
At just 17, Valdepeñas has earned the respect of key figures. Sergio Ramos, former captain of Real Madrid, has praised the youngster. For Ramos, Valdepeñas is "the biggest central project he has seen in years at Valdebebas." He has even compared him to Antonio Rüdiger, current defender of the first team.
Florentino Pérez, always attentive to the talents of La Fábrica, also keeps a close eye on Valdepeñas. The club is considering the possibility of securing his contract. They don't want to lose this gem to possible offers from other teams. Real Madrid's youth academy has always been an important source of talent, and Valdepeñas is the latest example.
Valdepeñas' rise is no coincidence, as he is a player with an impressive physical presence. His effort records in matches are surprising: covering long distances and maintaining high intensity is something natural for him.
His versatility is also key, as he can play as a full-back or wing-back, which adds value to his profile. He recently made his debut with Real Madrid C, where he started and provided an assist in the victory against Melilla. His performance continues to attract attention.
Florentino already has his new Rüdiger and for free
The crisis of centre-backs in the first team has opened the doors for him. Real Madrid, who usually opt for big names, are now looking inwards and Valdepeñas is a solution that has arrived at the perfect time. The injuries to Alaba and Carvajal have given him the opportunity to show his talent and he has done so in a big way.
Sergio Ramos is not the only one who has been impressed. The club's coaches also see him as a future defensive pillar. His style of play is very similar to that of Rüdiger. His physical strength and ability to read the game make him an option to be considered in the short term.
Valdepeñas will continue to grow under the tutelage of Álvaro Arbeloa in the Juvenil A. But his participation in Madrid C will increase little by little and with time, it is likely that he will also have opportunities in Castilla. Real Madrid are looking for reinforcements for their defense and Víctor Valdepeñas could be the answer they have been waiting for.
