It was a strong choice that Elyaz Zidane (18 years old) made last winter. Barred by competition among Alvaro Arbeloa's U19s at Real Madrid, he chose to go to Andalusia, to Betis. Although he has not (yet) been integrated into the Sevillian club's first team, it is already a first step forward for him, since he has already started with the club's B team in the fourth division , at the semi-pro level, and thus faces adult players when he is summoned to the reserve training of Nabil Fekir's team.
First of all, one of the reasons for his departure from Madrid, in addition to the quest for playing time, is to be able to show himself to continue to be selected for the French team. A successful bet, since he was selected by Bernard Diomède for the U19 Elite Tour in mid-March. He started the third and last of these matches against Lithuania (2-0 defeat) and came on as a substitute in the two previous matches, during which the young tricolors ensured their qualification for the next Euro in the category.
Betis are delighted
In the club, things are going pretty well for him too. He alternates between the Betis B team, with whom he played 3 matches, and the Andalusian U19s, with whom he set foot on the pitch 7 times. His performances are convincing, especially for a player who arrived during the season in a team where a lot of players have played together since a young age. A rather strong but skillful and technical defender despite his 94 meter height, he fits perfectly into the playing philosophy of the Sevillian team. The echoes coming from Sevilla are rather positive, moreover, and his versatility – left back, he can also play in central defense – is rather appreciated. There were still a few mishaps, like this match against Orihuela at the end of February, where he caused a penalty and was sent off in the process, allowing the opponent to win 1-0 in the last minutes of the game .
Not enough to dampen the confidence placed by the staff and management of Betis, since he was established again upon his return from suspension. Not used in Betis' last two matches due to his departure for the national team, it is very likely that he will start again next Sunday against Marbella. Before considering a debut with the Betis A team? It may still be too early, but for now and while we wait to see Betis' final plans for him, the youngest Zidane has playing time and could return to Madrid next summer with a CV convincing to apply for a place within Real Madrid Castilla…
