18-year-old Real Madrid youngster ‘reminding’ Carlo Ancelotti of Italian World Cup-winning legend | OneFootball

When it comes to the goalkeeping department, most of Real Madrid‘s attention has been on Andriy Lunin this summer, with no certainty over his future. However their third-choice has given Los Blancos reason for optimism too.

Youngster Fran Gonzalez was already earning praise last season from his training sessions with the first-team, but the preseason tour to the USA has only improved his standing, despite not playing in the friendlies. Diario AS say that the 18-year-old is ‘reminding Carlo Ancelotti of Gianluigi Buffon’, which is no small praise.

The Italian legend had Ancelotti as one of his first coaches at Parma, when he broke into the side at 17. Those at the club say he is already a Liga level goalkeeper, highlighting his bravery, confidence and powerful style of goalkeeping. Ancelotti and goalkeeping coach Luis Llopis have ‘fallen in love’ with Gonzalez, and he was part of their Champions League celebrations as a reward for his continued growth.

Gonzalez is set to be the number one at Real Madrid Castilla this season, with Lucas Canizares having recently moved to Farense in Portugal, where he will get game time. Kepa Arrizabalaga is underlined as the replacement for Lunin should the Ukrainian leave, but if he is no longer available, it sounds as if Gonzalez has the trust of the coaching staff.