Real Madrid have been credited with interest in Spanish youngster Alfonso Pedraza. They should quickly make a move before other European clubs emerge with their interest.
Real Madrid’s philosophy in the last two or three years has been to secure the future of the team rather than spending heavy money on making big signings. In the last few years, the Whites have invested funds in the likes of Dani Ceballos, Theo Hernandez and Marco Asensio among others from the first team whereas there is great importance being given to academy players such as Lucas Vazquez, Jesus Vallejo and Borja Mayoral as well.
As per various reports in Spain, they have now turned their attentions to signing Alfonso Pedraza, right now following his football on the books of La Liga counterpart Villarreal. Originally a left winger, Pedraza, 22, has been deployed as a left back too by manager Javi Calleja this season. The youngster has been magnificent in the defensive role has as well and has shown whilst at the back and even while going forward that he is a player of great qualities.
He already has some experience with Spain’s national team in the U19 ranks. Pedraza won the U19 European Championship in 2015 and now represents the U21 side. Of late, he has been on the radar of Luis Enrique for a call-up into the senior team and especially after his stunning performance and goal against Levante last weekend. He has already trained under Lucho’s eyes when Celta Vigo’s Jonny Castro was injured.
Pedraza is a graduate of the Yellow Submarine’s academy and played the 2017/18 season out on loan at Deportivo Alaves. In 37 matches, he scored four goals and assisted six times too. If Real Madrid are to look for Pedraza’s signatures, they will have to fork out 22 million euros in order to trigger his release clause at the Estadio de La Ceramica. They believe that he will be an asset in their club and Florentino Perez will ask his men to keep an eye on the 22 year old.
Real Madrid are surely taking a great step towards the future by investing in Alfonso Pedraza. His speed, vision, age and attacking threat make him a correct option for Real Madrid’s requirement. If they can, the Whites should complete his signing by January or next summer until his transfer fee remains cheap. While room may not be available for Pedraza in the Bernabeu, he must be sent out on loan.
When he is potentially being loaned out, Real Madrid must make sure that Pedraza can play in a left winger’s role more often than the left back’s position. The European champions already have cover for Marcelo in bright full backs such as Sergio Reguilon and Theo Hernandez. However, on the left wing, there is only Marco Asensio and a backup and competitor to him will be a driving force for both the players.