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According to MARCA, Jesús Vallejo has been confirmed to replace the outgoing Pepe as Real’s third choice center back next season. The rising star recently completed a wildly successful loan spell with Eintracht Frankfurt, where he established himself as one of the best young center backs in the world. Often playing on the left side of a back three, Vallejo’s ability on the ball stood out above all his other qualities.
Jesús Vallejo. 20 anos. Muito veloz no desarme. Facilidade em adiantar linhas para marcar a frente. Bom jogo aéreo. Voltará ao Real Madrid. pic.twitter.com/IYl5tj39EK
— Portal Madridista (@RMadrid11BR) June 11, 2017
Displaying the passing ability of a controlling midfielder and the speed and ball control of a box-to-box midfielder, he led his side to a the DFB Pokal final and a respectable 11th place finish in the Bundesliga. However, the youngster showed weaknesses in aerial duels, despite his impressive physical stature and physical maturity.
Before returning to the Bernabeu, Vallejo will have to play for Spain’s under-21’s in the European Championships. This will give Zidane and his team more time to assess Vallejo’s qualities and decide which developmental track he should be put on.