Real Madrid starlet Joan Martinez is celebrating his 18th birthday today, aware that he is regarded as one of the brightest young talents within the club.
After spending a year sidelined with an anterior cruciate ligament tear in his left knee, the central defender is gaining stature within Alvaro Arbeloa’s Real Madrid Castilla and is set to be one of the names to follow this coming season.
As such, Grada3 now reports that Real Madrid first-team manager Xabi Alonso is following Martinez’s progress with Castilla very closely.
It was a little over a year ago, on 9 August, 2024, that the 18-year-old centre-back suffered his ACL rupture in a training session with the senior team under former manager Carlo Ancelotti.
At the time, the teenager had participated in the pre-season tour of the US with the first team and was primed for a spot in the senior squad but was forced to spend the entire season out of action.
Having worked hard on his recovery and improved his physical condition during the year, Martinez returned to action with Castilla in pre-season in July and has since gone on to gradually increase his workload.
The feeling at Valdebebas around the 18-year-old prospect is very positive. Martinez himself is delighted and motivated, having prepared thoroughly. His determination has been evident.
Real Madrid are also very satisfied with his progress. Expectations are high, but there is caution not to rush things. The Merengues have a plan for him, and he is following it step by step, match by match, minute by minute, with Alonso keeping an eye.
Real Madrid have full confidence in Martinez. Sooner or later, the defender is expected to get another opportunity with the first team. He is seen as a long-term project within the club.
Arbeloa rates him highly, and Alonso is following him closely, even though the teenager has not yet trained under him. The priority is to consolidate himself with the reserves before moving up.