Miguel Gutiérrez has earned a place in Real Madrid's first team squad

Patience, humility and a lot of dedication every single day. Those are the qualities which Miguel Gutiérrez has focused on during Marcelo's final season at Real Madrid. Next season, it is highly likely that the 20-year-old will be registered for the first team squad on his own merits. This season, with Marcelo getting the odd game here and there, Miguel hasn't had many opportunities to play. But whenever Carlo Ancelotti has called on him, he has given the best he has to give - he's made 10 appearances and Madrid have not lost any of them when he has been on duty (against Sheriff, the score was 1-1 when he was substituted).

The decision to put faith in Miguel Gutiérrez last summer was an important one. He knows the club inside out and has always been determined to carve out a place in the first team squad - even if that meant taking on the role of third choice at left-back while playing for Castilla. He has received no shortage of offers from clubs in Spain's top flight and in other leagues. Now he is starting to see that the plan is mapping out just as he had hoped. All he has to do is wait until the season ends then hold another meeting with Madrid in which his future will be decided. Miguel is under contract until June 2024 and any clauses within that will be modified accordingly if he is included in the first team squad.

Left-back position is well covered

The left-back position is not a concern at Real Madrid - with Miguel and Mendy - plus the option of David Alaba covering when necessary (or even Nacho), it is well covered. Madrid have no plans to reinforce that side of the pitch and with each that passes, Miguel feels as though he has made the right call to stay on and wait for his time to come.