The season hasn’t started yet, but it’s already time for some players to score points. This is the case for Joan Martinez, a 16-year-old central defender and surprise guest on the club’s American tour. He has nevertheless received praise from the Spanish press, taking advantage of the absences and the lack of depth on the bench in this position. He is not the only one in this situation. Arda Güler (19) is also making a name for himself during this pre-season, and impressing quite a few people at the club.
Already, his desire to cut short his vacation after a remarkable Euro with Turkey had shown his desire to assert himself after a first season in Spain spent on the bench. Despite his growing impatience and his frustration accumulated due to a long injury at the start of last season, the attacking midfielder has finally shown the tip of his nose in recent months. It was a good thing he waited his time because he finished like a cannonball (5 goals in La Liga in 5 games played). A very good omen for the future.
Ancelotti loves it
This is confirmed this summer, he who only joined the team last Sunday. After three training sessions, the former Fenerbahçe player showed his current form against AC Milan in a friendly. His physique has transformed where last year, his frail 18-year-old shoulders did not absorb shocks well and his body did not yet respond well to the intensity. Carlo Ancelotti had already noticed changes in him, but it had nothing to do with what he observes now.
“He arrived very well, he worked a lot on vacation. He came back more powerful, more resistant and with the same qualitythe Italian coach told the press, is delighted with these changes because he will need him this season. Between the departures of Tony Kroos and Joselu, or the aging of Luka Modric, there will be room to be among the 14 or 15 players most used by the technician. The latter is also counting on his versatility to offer him playing time.
Appreciated versatility
“This season will be important for him. His best position is between the lines, he can be a number 10, he can be a right winger… In the future, he could be one of the three midfielders.“A way of sending him a message at a time when the Turkish press is talking about desires for elsewhere. Ancelotti gives other clues about his positioning.”He shouldn’t play on the left, with the left foot he has. You have to have the ability to shoot.“, explaining that he must play with the strong foot inside. This left side is also that of Vincius and Mbappé…
