Why Real Madrid’s youth policy is so good

Real Madrid caused headlines around the globe when they confirmed the €60 million signing of Brazilian wonderkid, Endrick from Palmeiras. Endrick was only 16 years old at the time of the signing, but it follows a recent trend of Real Madrid signing stars early in their development. A break from the tradition of signing stars at the peak of the powers.

Jon Mackenzie explains how it is not saving Real Madrid much money, but overall it is a strategy that is beginning to bear fruits. Illustrated by Henry Cooke.

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#RealMadrid #Endrick

[rjdjdjdmdj]

They are also selling players at a point before the value drops due to age (varane, Casemiro), whilst keeping ones that are performing into their late 30s (Modric, benzema, Kroos). Really putting Barca to shame with how well run they have been.

[brajeshwarthakur]

They realized very early that they can't outspend the petro-state/hedge fund backed clubs and changed their only galacticos policy and probably realized just throwing money at any problem wasn't gonna solve it i.e., the team with the most money isn't necessarily always the best

[HarshvardhanKanthode]

It's not just the young player signings Real gets right. Perez recognized the importance of a balanced squad with experience AND youth.
David Alaba is the perfect example. An incredible free transfer for a player with skill and years of experience in Bayern. A great personality to guide the youngsters and a valuable backup when he gets older.

[madridismo]

Another big part is that the transition of these players into the starting XI while the old guards are still going strong. Lots of things to learn for them... More than just the game, they learn the discipline, mental fortitude, the persona of the White jersey and playing for the club... Ancelotti stressed after the Champions League win last season that the players are also fans of the club. You can't buy something like this... You need to build faith, trust and develop this from a young age. Players who are willing to go to battle for the badge!

[arunnm]

Huge shoutout to Juni Calafat. The man needs a statute built outside the stadium for the work he has done over the past few years. Vini, Rodrygo, Militao, Valverde, and now Endrick signed all thanks to his know-how and influence in the South American market

[archie]

Madrid's ability to continually replace players is incredible, (modric, kross ect..) into (tchouameni, camavinga and valverde) also endrick will replace benz

[paderox]

Both Casemiro and Marcelo were signed really young from Brasil and had long and successful careers at Real's first team.

[maazahmed]

It was all by Flo Perez got mad at losing out on Neymar in 2012 he swore to never lose out again to young talent. Hence why the signing policy changed over the years. Hate him or love him, he's the top dog of all businessmen and the real boss.

[zFIFAz]

Good video but the Policy didn’t start with Odegaard, It already started in 2011 When Real Madrid bought 18y/o Varane, and exhelled after 2013, after the Casemiro signing of £6M

[jdredwine]

I don't know if I'll call this youth development, but maybe youth nourishment. Take an already massively talented professional youth prospect, give them the proper professional structure and environment and let them grow while being surrounded by winners and great players. You can kinda ease them in as they mature as players instead of forcing them in prematurely.

[SongofIceandTea]

the reason why Madrid won UCL many times the last decade is because they were preparing everything for UCL, not many people know that UCL force every club participated to register homegrown players of the same club for at least 3 years before 21, while other side use this for bench players, Madrid prepared them as the star players, that's why they signed Vini, Vede and Edryick in such a young age.

[Lyubomir_Stolachshuk]

Even though I am a Barca fan I can't deny the fact that Real Madrid is the greatest football club of all time. Their attitude to selection, scouting, infrastructure, youth etc. impresses me. 15th Champions League title

[Yeaahh]

Not only Madrid's youth policy have worked but their older players too have worked hard. Unlike Barca and atl mad.

[clarencedhege]

I see why. Real Madrid did definitely clock the system. Get the players before they have developed. Such a smart move on their part. Kudos to papa Perez 👏👏👏

[nishmehta]

The work of juni calafat, Sanchez and solari is just brilliant for us along with Perez. The work they put behind the scenes to scout these talents is just amazing proud to be Madridista in a time where money is just been thrown around

[reidpattis]

As a Barca fan, I feel like what Real Madrid is doing now with their policies is what Barcelona TRIES to do, but with less effort. Back in the days, drawing talent from La Masia is a no brainer. But now, I just see too many quick fix signings with little regard for developing the youth for big occasions.

[boosta]

Florentino Perez might be the best Club president to have ever existed...There, I said it

[TheThirdWorldCitizen]

Let’s not forget they also sold an academy player in Hakimi for 42M

[surgeryclinics]

The real watershed or clutch moment by Flo Perez was letting Ronaldo go at the moment he did. Three things happened right there.
1. The seniors got shook up and started taking more responsibilities like Ramos, Benz.
2. The juniors got a very clear message that coming to Real Madrid was not the end but the beginning and they must focus only on football.
3. Perez by not going for a replacement for Ronaldo, implied he valued the remaining players as much.

These are the reasons why Real Madrid won ligas and CL when they are really in a transition. I have not, probably will never see a club selling their most valuable asset the way Perez did with a CL and money in the bank. He is the Don. What a leader!

[adamhaly]

Great to see Managing Madrid getting recognized cause they have some great journalism over there. Although you should really include a link in the description to the source.