Xabi Alonso Handpicks Three Rising Real Madrid Castilla Stars for Training Camp
As Real Madrid reconvened at Valdebebas to kick off preparations for the 2025–26 campaign, three fresh faces were spotted in Xabi Alonso's training sessions.
Following a short summer hiatus, Real Madrid's elite roster assembled for their first gathering since the FIFA Club World Cup to resume their preparations. The Spanish powerhouse has merely two weeks before they take on Osasuna in their opening La Liga encounter under new manager Alonso.
The Spanish tactician not only reunited with his marquee players including Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior and Trent Alexander-Arnold, but also promoted several Real Madrid Castilla prospects. As reported by ESPN, Manuel Ángel, Diego Aguado and Daniel Yáñez all took part in the senior team's training sessions.
These La Fábrica graduates are familiar faces at Real Madrid, however. Indeed, all three youngsters possess considerable experience within the club, with some even appearing for the senior squad during the previous campaign.
Let's examine the three rising stars who might find themselves featuring under Alonso in the near future.
Manuel Ángel
Ángel is a 21-year-old central midfielder who entered La Fábrica in 2018. The Sevilla-born player progressed through Los Blancos' youth system before earning his chance with Real Madrid Castilla during the 2023–24 season.
The Spanish player, who wears jersey No. 8, accumulated 49 matches for Real Madrid Castilla across the past two campaigns. During Ángel's 3,501 minutes of action in the Primera Federación, the midfielder contributed two goals and three assists.
While a rapid promotion to Alonso's regular plans seems improbable, Ángel might secure several senior team chances this season. Following Luka Modrić's exit and Dani Ceballos's possible departure, Real Madrid will require midfield reinforcements, particularly during injury crises.
It's advantageous that Ángel possesses the flexibility to operate virtually anywhere across the midfield, providing Los Blancos with potential defensive or central midfield cover, plus a fresh No. 10 alternative.
Diego Aguado
Real Madrid supporters may recall Aguado from his Copa del Rey showing last season. The 18-year-old earned his senior debut in Real Madrid's 5–0 triumph over Deportiva Minera, stepping in at center-back while Antonio Rüdiger, David Alaba, Éder Militão and Aurélien Tchouaméni were sidelined with injuries.
The defender misplaced just four passes and dominated 100% of his aerial contests during his 90-minute appearance. Though these were his only senior minutes last season, he frequently received call-ups from Carlo Ancelotti, joining Real Madrid's squads for La Liga, Champions League and Spanish Super Cup fixtures, alongside the Copa del Rey.
Aguado also earned selection in Alonso's Club World Cup roster. He's considered among the most gifted defensive prospects at Real Madrid Castilla and could eventually replace the veteran Rüdiger and Alaba in future seasons.
Regarding his immediate prospects under Alonso, the youngster must queue behind the established center-backs, plus new acquisition Dean Huijsen and Raúl Asencio.
Daniel Yáñez
Yáñez is an 18-year-old attacking midfielder from Cádiz. The youngster, who entered La Fábrica in 2019, appeared for Real Madrid Castilla last season, registering 13 matches and netting one goal under club icon Raúl's guidance.
The attacker recently participated in Real Madrid Castilla's preseason match against Marbella before securing his place in training alongside the first-team stars. Yáñez's promotion wasn't unexpected; he received multiple squad selections from Ancelotti last season, and even made his debut against Girona on Dec. 7, 2024.
Yáñez excels on the right flank, though he's capable of operating on the left when required. He can also function as a striker, although Real Madrid currently possess abundant options in that position.
Despite Yáñez's encouraging talent, his position may hinder his chances of establishing himself in the senior team. Alonso already possesses Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, Brahim Díaz, Franco Mastantuono, Arda Güler and even Fede Valverde for either wing, significantly restricting the Real Madrid Castilla graduate's opportunities.