The Andalusian centre-back dreams of being the next homegrown player to triumph at Real Madrid
Rafael Marijn It is the best central defender project Real Madrid have had in the last ten years. He has a prodigious physique, which helps him to go head over heels in a fantastic way; He is fast, goes well in the crossroads, is always focused and also has a great ball deliverysomething that has been essential for years in the big clubs in Europe when it comes to betting on one or another central defender.
Since arriving at Real Madrid in the summer of 2016 from Sevilla’s youth academy when he was just fourteen years old, he has gone through several phases until he reached Castilla, a team in which he has become the defensive and leadership reference that it is today in the white subsidiary. Raúl has undoubtedly been his great supporterSince choosing him, he has become the most prominent central defender of the team, ahead of others like Mario Gila, Carrillo or Pablo Ramón.
The goal of the Andalusian is clear: to play for the first team of Real Madrid. Something very complicated, maybe more for a central defender, because of the competition that is always there in the best team in the world, but not impossible. That’s why he turned down offers, like the one he had from Basel last winter in winterand he prefers to bet on his dream to succeed at Real Madrid, something that will not change between now and the end of the season due to the many siren songs coming from Europe (Chelsea, among others, is very interested in his signing).
There is no other challenge for Rafa in the short term. It is his dream and what he works for every day. He stands with both feet on the ground and knows very well that it is not easy at all, but he has a clear example that with effort, perseverance and patience you will get there. And that example is Nacho. The man from Madrid has never been undisputed in the first team, but years and coaches have gone by and he has continued there until he has spent his entire career with the club of a lifetime. And with important and outstanding performances, such as in decisive matches such as a semi-final or even a Champions League final.
The club has its time and at the moment they are assessing all kinds of situations with a view to next season’s defense. Evidently, Nacho’s continuity would complicate options for a near-term opportunitybut if Nacho doesn’t go through, those options to make the jump or play a particular role increase.
If Castilla manages to get promoted to Second, it might make the player happy and wait another year in the quarry if the club shows him that there is a project in which he has a leading role in the future. But if Raúl’s team stays in the First RFEF, decisions have to be made. The defender’s contract expires in June 2024, so there is no doubt about that talks will take place this summer. There, the club has shown in recent years that the option of sale with buyback option is more common and effective than a transfer, in case it is not committed to integrating it into the first-team dynamic.
Currently Rafael Marin is focused on the season with Real Madrid Castilla. The goal for the future is to secure a place in the first team and fulfill his dream of succeeding at the best club in the world. The challenge is huge, but the club also knows how the market is and Rafa’s potential is not enough to look the other way. Raúl knows and appreciates it. Now it is the club that has to decide and take a step in the coming months.
Source: Goal