Real Madrid have high hopes on 16-year-old academy gem dubbed the ‘little Kante’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s academy has built a strong reputation for producing technically gifted and intelligent players, and the next name creating excitement inside La Fabrica is Moctar Cherif Acacio Fofana Mesie Eyegue, better known as Cherif. 

At only 16 years of age, the young midfielder is already earning comparisons with one of the most respected defensive midfielders of the modern era.

According to AS, the teenager has made rapid progress through the youth ranks, as he has already debuted for the Juvenil A side and has even trained under Alvaro Arbeloa with Castilla.

The comparison with N’Golo Kante is not meant to create unnecessary pressure, but it does give a clear idea of the type of player Cherif is becoming. 

He is known for his energy, physical strength, and ability to win the ball cleanly without complicating possession. 

To put it in perspective, in his most recent match against Rayo Alcobendas, he covered more than 13 kilometres.

Everyone is impressed

Coaches within the academy noticed his potential very early. 

After his first appearance for the Juvenil C team, there was already a strong feeling that he would not stay at that level for long. 

One of the predictions around him at the time was simple and direct: “He won’t last long here”, and that belief quickly proved correct.

Cherif soon became a key figure in the Juvenil B side, and his development continued at a rapid pace. 

His performances were strong enough to earn promotion to the Juvenil A team, where he had already worked with the same coaching staff in the past. 

Technically, he combines defensive awareness with calmness in possession. He keeps his head up while carrying the ball, chooses simple and effective passes, and shows strength in duels against players of his own age group. 

Those traits, along with his physical output, explain why he is seen as one of the most promising midfielders in the academy.

Inside Valdebebas, it is believed they are shaping a special talent and a “little Kante” is being carefully moulded for the future at La Fabrica.