Zidane, you're really dropping the ball when it comes to Kubo
Over the pre-season period, it has become a cause of real concern that Zinedine Zidane seems so reluctant to embrace the young talent which, let's be honest, has been pretty much the only thing Real Madrid's fans have had to shout about.
That's particularly true of Takefusa Kubo, who is really starting to justify the 'Japanese Messi' tag he was given when he was at Barcelona. I know he's still only 18, but as the saying goes: if you're good enough, you're old enough.
I just don't understand why Zidane is being so cautious
I don't understand why Zidane said after the Fenerbahce game yesterday that, along with the other young lads taken on tour by Madrid, Kubo will play for Castilla next season, and that he'll keep an eye on his progress by having him train with the first team. It's just so absurdly over-cautious.
If Jorge Valdano had done the same with Raúl, the forward might never have got the chance to establish himself as one of the club's all-time greats. If Alfredo di Stéfano had been so wary about the emergence of Emilio Butragueño, we may never have been treated to the legendary striker's exploits. Over in Argentina, a certain Diego Maradona was a star at Argentinos Juniors by the age of 15.
I want Zidane to show the sense of adventure he did when, back in the day, he conjured up the magic that had us all fall in love with him as a player. I want to see the courage with which, as a coach, he has in the past not shied away from big calls. After all, this is a man who left Gareth Bale on the bench when Madrid played the Champions League final in the Welshman's home city.
Listen to the fans, Zizou. If they're urging you to give more game time to Kubo, Rodrygo and Vinicius, it's for good reason. They know their football and, more than anything, they know a player with fire in their belly when they see one. The old guard that you continue to cling to, the guys who've won it all already: they're losing that all-important hunger.
Joao Félix is doing alright at Atlético...
Which is why these starlets deserve the chance to make their mark. They have ability in spades, and at their age have the energy to play three games in three days if need be. By banishing a gifted youngster to the reserves, all you're doing is stunting his progress. Joao Félix is a teenager too, and he seems to be working out pretty well for Atlético Madrid, I'd say.
Zizou, are you seriously going to deprive the Bernabéu of a talent like Kubo just because you're apparently too proud to let go of your once Champions League-conquering team? Have you forgotten that Real Madrid comes first?