Real Madrid Castilla midfielder Chema Andres is poised to earn a promotion to the first team under new manager Xabi Alonso, according to reports from *Diario AS*. With Alonso officially taking over from Carlo Ancelotti, the club is preparing for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in June 2025. Alonso, who built a reputation for developing young talent at Bayer Leverkusen, is expected to prioritize integrating La Fabrica prospects into the senior squad. One key area of focus is the pivot position, where Real Madrid currently lacks depth.
Crhema, who previously worked with Alonso during his time in the Infantil A squad, has shown significant progress under Raul at Castilla. His performances even earned him brief appearances in La Liga and the Copa del Rey under Ancelotti last season. The 21-year-old’s potential role as a defensive midfielder could provide a much-needed solution for Alonso’s squad. His familiarity with the new manager’s philosophy and playing style may give him an edge in preseason preparations.
Beyond Chema, other Castilla talents are also in contention for first-team opportunities. Defender Jacobo Ramon, 20, made a memorable La Liga debut with a last-minute winner against Mallorca and could be another beneficiary of Alonso’s youth-focused approach. Additionally, 17-year-old centre-back Joan Martinez is another name in the mix.
His development has been closely monitored, and Alonso’s prior experience with Real Madrid’s youth system could fast-track his progression. Alonso’s appointment signals a shift toward long-term planning, with an emphasis on blending established stars with emerging academy talents. This strategy aligns with Real Madrid’s tradition of promoting homegrown players while maintaining competitiveness at the highest level. As preseason approaches, all eyes will be on how Alonso integrates these young players into the first-team setup.
Chema, in particular, could be a surprise standout if he seizes the opportunity in a key position. With Alonso at the helm, Real Madrid’s youth system may finally see a clearer pathway to the senior squad, offering fresh faces a chance to shine alongside the club’s global stars.