Juvenil Roundup: Five names for the future

Another month is wrapping up for Real Madrid and nothing much has changed for the cantera. Both Juvenil A and Juvenil B have once again won all their games heading into the last fixtures of October.

Instead of telling you the games both sides have won this month, I’ve decided instead to write about five players that have impressed me so far. Let’s get into it.

Sergio Santos (Juvenil A)

Photo by Johnny Fidelin/Icon Sport via Getty Images

I am quite a bit bias with Sergio Santos as he’s the youth prospect I have watched the most this year, however, the 18-year-old has honestly made a very impressive start to life as a under-19. Thanks to his versatility Santos has played all of Juvenil A’s game so far. Deployed as a full back, Santos has been excellent defensively and plugged up most attacking avenues down his flank.

Not much is demanded of him in attack as Dani Poyatos doesn’t expect his full back to play much of a role in attack, however, the teen has progressed the ball up the pitch well when needed. I’m yet to see much of his crossing ability, but given his age, I expect he will work on it when he needs it.

Oscar Arranda (Juvenil B)

What has impressed me most about Oscar Arranda is his work ethic. So far Arranda has started three games for Juvenil B and two for Juvenil A. On several occasions so far this season, he has appeared in both squads matchday squad in one weekend. That he’s the only player asked to do this probably speaks of highly rated he is among his coaches this season.

Arranda plays quite similarly to Sergio Arribas (more on him later). He loves charging forward, especially on the break and has an eye for goal, something he demonstrated as recently as last weekend with a brace against Atletico Madridelino. That performance was certainly the 17-year-old standout of the season so far and will certainly catch the eyes of the club higher ups should he continue to perform.

Sergio Arribas (Juvenil A)

The creative heart of Juvenil A, Sergio Arribas has been absolutely fantastic this season. The winger can run for days, an excellent dribbler and an equally talented creator. His ablity to decide games on his own has makes him a non negotiable (notably against Real Valladolid earlier in the month) in Dani Poyatos team.

Where he contrasts to Arranda is that he prefers not shoot when the chance arises and, instead, looks to set up a teammate. There is little wrong with this approach as Arribas almost always finds his man and he does a pretty decent shot, scoring twice in six games.

David Ballesteros (Juvenil B)

As good as Arranda has been, David Ballesteros has been Juvenil B’s player of the season so far. Since starting his first game in mid-September, Ballesteros has registered either a goal or assist in every match he has featured in since then.

If I were to describe the 17-year-old style of play in one word, it would be persuasive. Due to persistent schedule clashes, I haven’t been very well disciplined with watching Juvenil B. Whenever I sit down and watch the highlights, Ballesteros always features be it him scoring a goal or forcing a play that leads to a goal.

I haven’t watched him enough to make much more of a judgement on him, however, his attitude and productively has greatly impressed me so far.

Pablo Ramon (Juvenil A)

Photo by Johnny Fidelin/Icon Sport via Getty Images

The centre back popped up with another important goal yesterday as Juvenil A saw off Galatasaray in the UEFA Youth League. Outside of winning goals, Pablo Ramon has also played a big role in preventing them as well.

Juvenil A have been pretty solid at the back this season, however, towards the end of big games the back four come under a bit of pressure. In those moments, its often Pablo Ramon who steps up with a crucial interception. He’s a big moment player without sacrificing any consistency.

That’s it, I shall return to regular programming next month. Hopefully, all five of these players and more will feature in that roundup as both cantera sides look to continue their good starts to the season.