Real Madrid defensive prodigy trains with senior squad for the first time after over a year | OneFootball

It is no secret that Real Madrid have doubled down on their youth development following the arrival of Xabi Alonso, who wants to utilise the full potential of La Fabrica.

To that end, Joan Martinez is widely regarded as one of Real Madrid’s academy finest talents, who is primed for a breakthrough this season, having returned from a long injury layoff.

To that end, Real Madrid have received a huge boost as Martinez trained with the first-team squad today, reports MARCA.

This marks Martinez’s return to the Real Madrid first-team training for the first time in 424 days.

The teenage defender sustained the serious injury on August 9, 2024, during pre-season under Carlo Ancelotti. Fourteen months later, he is back, now under the watchful eye of Alonso.

Real Madrid’s plan with Joan Martinez

With his recovery now complete, Alonso wants to keep Martinez close to monitor his progress and development firsthand.

Xabi Alonso will look to maximise the potential of Joan Martinez. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

After returning from preseason, Martinez was placed under Alvaro Arbeloa’s guidance at Castilla, where he regained his rhythm and confidence.

Arbeloa shielded him from the distractions of the first team and oversaw a smooth reintegration into competitive football.

Martinez featured in every pre-season match and has started all six league games for Castilla this season.

His steady rise has now earned him the opportunity to train once again with the first team. The comeback crowns a perfect summer for Martinez, who also renewed his contract in September.

The road ahead, therefore, will be interesting for the young defender, especially at a time when Real Madrid are dealing with countless injuries in defence, thereby potentially paving the way for Martinez to make a breakthrough in the first-team.