After a rocky start to the season, Real Madrid Castilla has found its footing, largely thanks to the impressive performances of central defender Víctor Valdepeñas. Under the guidance of coach Álvaro Arbeloa, the 19-year-old has been repositioned within the defensive axis, forming a solid partnership with Joan Martínez. This duo has been pivotal in securing four consecutive victories, featuring three clean sheets and allowing just one goal—an unfortunate penalty. Valdepeñas has quickly become an indispensable figure at Valdebebas, showcasing a level of play that has not gone unnoticed.
Valdepeñas’ rise through the ranks is particularly noteworthy. Having excelled with Juvenil A during the 2023-2024 season, he received a significant promotion to Castilla last year following serious injuries to Martínez and Jacobo Ramón. His versatility is remarkable; he has played as a central defender alongside Diego Aguado, and his performances have drawn comparisons to some of the most promising talents in La Fábrica. Recognizing his potential, Madrid management secured his future with a contract extension until 2029 just a year ago.
A Versatile Asset
Valdepeñas stands out not only for his physical condition but also for his tactical versatility. As a left-footed player, he possesses the ability to contribute beyond traditional defensive duties. His high work rate allows him to effectively cover entire flanks as a full-back or wing-back. Remarkably, he has also played as an attacking midfielder during his time with various youth teams, demonstrating his adaptability on the field. Last season alone, he recorded three goals and one assist with Juvenil A, one goal and one assist with Real Madrid C, and another goal with Castilla.
Future Prospects
The 2024-2025 season has seen Valdepeñas emerge as one of the standout players from La Fábrica, catching the attention of first-team coach Carlo Ancelotti. His consistent performances earned him a call-up to the senior squad during a match against Villarreal in March, making him the sixteenth player from the academy to join the first team this season. As he continues to solidify his role with Castilla, Valdepeñas adds his name to a growing list of central defenders poised for promotion to the first team, which includes talents like Jacobo Ramón (currently at Como), Joan Martínez, Diego Aguado, Mario Rivas, and Lamini Fati.
With veteran defenders like Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba potentially leaving by summer 2026 due to expiring contracts, Real Madrid’s defense may undergo significant changes. The club is reportedly eyeing Ibrahima Konaté and Dayot Upamecano as potential reinforcements for their backline. As such, Valdepeñas stands at the forefront of what could be an exciting new era for Madrid’s defensive lineup.
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