Real Madrid veteran hails ‘incredible’ 16-year-old star Joan Martinez | OneFootball

Real Madrid kicked off their USA preseason tour with 1-0 loss to AC Milan as 16-year-old Joan Martinez caught the eye.

Los Blancos headed to North America missing a host of first team players due to extended summer breaks after Euro 2024 and the Copa America.

With so many key names absent, Carlo Ancelotti named a panel mixed with youth and experience, and Martinez got his chance off the bench in Chicago.

He was given a run late by Ancelotti, and looked assured in central defence, with one exceptional challenge setting down a marker.

The teenager is expected to feature in the remaining summer matches and club veteran Lucas Vazquez is impressed by his progress.

“I wasn’t where he is when I was 16. He’s an incredible kid and he played a very good game against Milan”, as per quotes from Relevo.

“He’s a centre back with a brutal level of potential and we’re all going to try to help him so he continues to develop.”

Real Madrid take on Barcelona in the coming hours before a tour ending clash with Premier League side Chelsea in North Carolina on August 7.