Real Madrid’s doors have largely remained closed for young and rising academy talents in recent years, more so under Carlo Ancelotti who is not a big fan of relying on youth.
While Raul Asencio has indeed broken into the senior team dynamics as a regular, not every player from the academy enjoys the same fortune.
Nico Paz is one such young phenom who was touted to be the next big midfielder from the club’s academy but eventually left last summer considering the serious competition for a starting spot.
Ancelotti keeping tabs
Having joined Como in Italy, Paz has been in fine form in his debut season in Serie A and has attracted interest from several top clubs.
Real Madrid, needless to say, have kept a keen eye on the young star, with Ancelotti admitting that that he and the club are aware of Paz’s development.
Nico Paz is our player, we’re constantly monitoring his progress in Italy… we will decide about his future at the end of the season,” he said, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano.
Ancelotti then went on to describe Paz as a ‘very good’ player, possibly hinting towards a return to the club next season.
“He’s doing excellent at Como but we didn’t have any doubt. He’s a very good player.”
An attacking midfielder by trade, Paz will have to fight out a ruthless battle for a starting spot should he return to Real Madrid, with the club having a very affordable buyback option for him.
After all, even the prodigal Arda Guler has seen only a bench role this season despite being seen as one of the best young stars in the attacking midfield department. Yet, that will be a decision for the coaching staff, administration and Paz himself to make.
There are some occurrences at Real Madrid that are considered rare, and an academy player breaking into the first team is one such.
While it should not be such a rare occurrence for an elite European club with a distinguished academy, Los Blancos usually have not carved out a reputation as a club that counts on young talents.
