There is a lot of expectation riding on what Jose Mourinho can do in his second stint as manager at Real Madrid.
The Portuguese tactician has been heavily backed in the summer transfer window, with Real Madrid bringing in as many as six players to bolster the squad.
Mourinho has managed to get the troops to rally around him and enjoyed a winning start to La Liga, with a 2-1 win against Espanyol.
However, it looks like Jose is keeping a keen eye on more than just the first team.
According to journalist Mourinho is serious about unearthing talents. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)
Mourinho regularly watches matches involving different Real Madrid youth teams, suggesting the academy could have a genuine role within his plans.
There is even a possibility that Mourinho could attend one of the academy’s matches at Valdebebas in person.
It is an interesting detail because Mourinho has inherited a Madrid squad packed with established internationals and strengthened by several significant signings this summer.
However, that apparently has not stopped him from looking further down the club’s structure for players capable of helping his team.
Opportunities could emerge
Mourinho’s interest does not guarantee that academy players will suddenly receive major first-team minutes. Competition within the senior squad remains extremely strong.
However, being watched closely by the first-team coach is already important for Madrid’s youngsters.
Strong performances could potentially earn players opportunities in training, particularly during periods when injuries or a congested schedule reduce Mourinho’s options.
Players like Alexis Ciria Mourinho sees great value in La Fabrica. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)
That could make La Fabrica particularly valuable over a long season.
Madrid do not necessarily need every academy prospect to become an immediate starter. Finding one or two players capable of providing reliable depth would already represent a significant success.
The club have invested heavily in their squad, but the pathway from Valdebebas should remain open. Academy players can provide solutions that are difficult and expensive to find in the transfer market.
It remains to be seen just how much the academy is involved in Mourinho’s plans as he begins his new project at Madrid.
