Real Madrid: Jaume Grau could make his first team debut tonight against Leganés
A regular with Castilla, the midfielder was an international at Under-19 level. It's the first time he's been included in a first team squad. Solari could hand him his debut in the Cup.
Later today, Jaume Grau (Tavernes de la Valldigna, 5-5-1997) could become the fifth youth team player to make their first team debut for Real Madrid under Santiago Solari, following in the footsetps of Javi Sánchez, Cristo, Fidalgo and Fran García. The Valencia-born midfielder is quietly making his way up the ranks to the elite without any fuss. Juame prefers to keep a low profile - for instance he is not on social media; he had to spend a year on loan at Madrid outfit Navalcarnero to prove that he deserved to continue his progression in Madrid's youth academy. That strategy worked out to perfection - as it did for one of his contemporaries, Sergio Reguilón.
Jaume's qualities
Those who have been watching his development in Valdebebas say that Jaume is a highly reliable presence in the centre of the park, a cool-headed player who never opts for fancy, elaborate play - he prefers to keep it simple and efective. His keen tactical sense is another of his virtues which has been noticed by coaching staff. Those qualities were what drew Madrid to the youngster in 2013 when he was part of a promising generation of young players at Valencia which included Carlos Soler. At La Fábrica, he took no time at all to settle in and before long he received a call-up for Spain's Under-19s. But making the leap up to Castilla seemed to stunt his development. That was why the club sent him out on loan for a year at Navalcarnero. Jaume was close to leaving Madrid but Solari saw something in him an convinced him to stay. Tonight, he could be rewarded for his persistence if Solari decides to bring him on at the Bernabéu as Real Madrid defend their 0-3 lead over Leganés in the Copa del Rey Last 16.
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