Manuel Angel: The Rising Star of Real Madrid Castilla Left Waiting

Manuel Angel, a promising talent from Real Madrid‘s youth academy, finds himself sidelined as the first team embarks on their Copa del Rey journey against Talavera de la Reina. The 21-year-old midfielder did not make the trip, while his teammates Joan Martinez, Victor Valdepenas, David Jimenez, Jorge Cestero, and Thiago Pitarch are set to gain valuable experience in this knockout fixture. Angel remains at Valdebebas, grappling with disappointment as he watches from afar.

Despite not being included in Xabi Alonso‘s current plans for the senior squad, Angel has established himself as a crucial figure in the Castilla setup. Serving as captain, he plays an integral role in the midfield alongside Cestero and Pitarch. His partnership with coach Álvaro Arbeloa dates back to their time together in the lower tiers of La Fábrica, where they enjoyed a stellar 2022-2023 season that culminated in three trophies: the league title, Youth League, and a domestic cup with Juvenil A.

A Season of Promise

Last season was marred by injuries for Angel, which limited his appearances and hindered his progress. Despite interest during the summer transfer window, he opted to remain at Real Madrid to further develop under Arbeloa’s guidance. This decision reflects his commitment to maturing as a player and contributing to the Castilla team that has shown promise in recent competitions. His absence from the first team remains puzzling for many observers at Ciudad Real Madrid.

Future Aspirations

As Real Madrid prepares to kick off their Copa del Rey campaign this Wednesday, it’s likely that Angel will be glued to his television screen. He’ll be analyzing the match closely, looking for gaps in the midfield that he believes he could fill. With aspirations of making his mark in the first team, Angel hopes that his talent will soon catch the eye of Xabi Alonso and earn him a chance to showcase his skills at the highest level.

The journey of Manuel Angel is one filled with potential and patience. As he continues to develop within Castilla, fans eagerly await the moment when this young star finally gets his opportunity with Los Blancos. Will he be able to translate his impressive performances into a call-up for the senior squad? Only time will tell.