Real Madrid kicked off their USA preseason tour with 1-0 loss to AC Milan as 16-year-old Joan Martinez caught the eye.
Los Blancos headed to North America missing a host of first team players due to extended summer breaks after Euro 2024 and the Copa America.
With so many key names absent, Carlo Ancelotti named a panel mixed with youth and experience, and Martinez got his chance off the bench in Chicago.
He was given a run late by Ancelotti, and looked assured in central defence, with one exceptional challenge setting down a marker.
The teenager is expected to feature in the remaining summer matches and club veteran Lucas Vazquez is impressed by his progress.
“I wasn’t where he is when I was 16. He’s an incredible kid and he played a very good game against Milan”, as per quotes from Relevo.
“He’s a centre back with a brutal level of potential and we’re all going to try to help him so he continues to develop.”
Real Madrid take on Barcelona in the coming hours before a tour ending clash with Premier League side Chelsea in North Carolina on August 7.
