Things you need to know about the Real Madrid academy defenders who will make it to the first team

After missing out on the signing of Leny Yoro and seeing Nacho Fernandez leave at the end of the season, Real Madrid have a void that needs to be filled in defense.

And while fans may be hoping that Los Blancos will dip into the market to fill that gap, reports say Marca they say it will probably be filled by someone who has graduated from the school. The three in question are Joan Martinez, Jacobo Ramon and Raul Asencio.

All three will take part in Madrid’s pre-season tour of the United States, meaning fans will get the chance to see them in a friendly before official La Liga action kicks off later in the summer.

Here’s what you need to know about the three young defenders.

How did you play with the youth teams of Real Madrid?

Martinez joined Madrid in 2023 after impressing through the youth ranks at Levante and has continued to gain fame ever since.

He made the quick jump from Juvenil C to Juvenil A level – working under Alvaro Arbeloa in the latter – and has been called up to the Madrid squad for their pre-season tour of the USA.

Power?

The 6’2 defender is incredibly pacy despite his height. Martinez has always been able to make runs and tackles thanks to his athleticism and ability to read the game.

In addition, he is extremely skilled with the ball at his feet and is known to burst into possession at times.

Player comparison?

The hair and headband combination screams Sergio Ramos and his style of play, too.

The final sliding moves he likes to make were a hallmark of Ramos’ game in the early years of his career, as well as his ability to handle the ball.

How did you play with the youth teams of Real Madrid?

Unlike Martinez, Jacobo Ramon has been on Madrid’s books for a very long time.

The 19-year-old joined the club back in 2013 aged just eight and has progressed through the Juvenil ranks since then.

After a few stints with the Castilla club, Ramon even moved up to Madrid’s senior team last season, training with Carlo Ancelotti’s side and making the squad for the La Liga match in February.

It seems like it’s only a matter of time before he makes his debut.

Power?

Another 6’2 defender – they grow on trees in Madrid, apparently – Ramons is a very active defender.

The 19-year-old can be seen running through midfield to win the ball for his team and is committed to putting it in the final third afterwards. Because of his height, he is also a threat in set situations.

Player comparison?

If you consider his nickname ‘Virgil’ because he reminds the new Madrid coach of Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, we’ll go with that.

How did you play with the youth teams of Real Madrid?

At 21 years old, Asencio is the oldest in the squad by a long way.

The defender has been on the books at Madrid since 2017 and has been regular with the Castilla side throughout the 2023/24 season, making 34 Primera Federacion appearances. Like Martinez, he was called up to the senior squad for the pre-season tour of the USA this summer.

Asencio is one of four school players who were investigated for their ‘distribution of a video with sexual behavior involving a minor’ in 2023.

Power?

Asencio is a full-back, with Castilla boss Raul always relying on the 21-year-old to start attacks with direct passes.

Player comparison?

His passing range is reminiscent of another Leonardo Bonucci, as Asencio can play long passes in the same way that the Juventus legend used to do in Serie A in the 2010s.

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