Real Madrid are short of central defenders going into this season, with David Alaba injured until the latter stages of 2024, and Leny Yoro at Manchester United. Jesus Vallejo will fill in, but it is an opportunity for youngsters Joan Martinez, Jacobo Ramon and Raul Asencio.
The former in particular has been earning rave reviews as part of the under-19s for Los Blancos, despite being just 16 years of age. Nevertheless Carlo Ancelotti trusted him enough to bring him on the preseason tour, and in his opening minutes against AC Milan, he looked solid and composed. He was one of the positives from their 1-0 defeat to the Rossoneri.
16-year-old #RealMadrid centre-back Joan Martinez has already been drawing comparisons with Sergio Ramos.
There's more to it than just the hair. pic.twitter.com/iNNSgIU22x
— Football España (@footballespana_) August 1, 2024
Multiple reports in the past have compared him to Sergio Ramos for his character, style of defending, and of course long hair, looking rather like that which the Sevillano sported when he broke through.
It is a weighty comparison, but he won’t have put people off the idea after an outstanding last-ditch challenge, which reminds of the 38-year-old.
Joan Martínez (@joaanmartineez) vs Milan (01/08/2024).
16 years old. His Real Madrid debut. pic.twitter.com/94CY9kzEFd
— Real Madrid Fabrica (@FabricaMadrid) August 1, 2024
After the match, manager Carlo Ancelotti told Diario AS that he has all of the basics to become a success at Real Madrid.
“He has significant potential, he is very young, he has everything a centre-back needs, he is very attentive, very good with the ball. He must improve many things, he could have a future at Real Madrid. He should continue in the academy, which is doing very good work.”
