“True Number 9”- Real Madrid Has Finally Shortlisted The Back Up And Replacement Of Karim Benzema

Real Madrid News Transfer: Real Madrid’s 2021/22 season has finally come to an end. With the transfer window about to open, the club has already begun the process of revamping its roster in preparation for the next season. The striker’s pedestal, which is now occupied by Karim Benzema, is one such position that the Spanish club tries to bolster with backups. However, it would seem that Real Madrid is looking for a player in the market that is already existing in their own neighbourhood.

As reported by Marca, Juan Miguel Latasa, a striker for Castilla, is reportedly one of the candidates that the club is considering to fill the role of Benzema’s backup for the next season.

The 21-year-old scored 13 goals in 30 appearances for the youth squad during the previous season. This caught the notice of Ancelotti. As a result, he was called up for many games with the first team. He made his debut against Cadiz. Raul is credited with being the player’s mentor.

Real Madrid News Transfer: Juanmi Latasa is Real Madrid’s top candidate to take over for Karim Benzema as the team’s starting striker

The 6’3″ left-footed striker is reminiscent of Erling Haaland’s playing style owing to the huge physical force of his towering height. It also enables him to be a darting terror on set pieces. The youngster’s qualities are many but still in their formative stages.

Latasa is well-known throughout Castilla for his shrewd off-the-ball movement and commendable positioning. Both of them are aided by immense finishing quality. As a result, he is especially dangerous in the box of the opponent. Not only because of his flashing shots but also because of his prompt yet ferocious passing. It results in brilliant assists and chances created.

Since moving to La Fabrica in 2016, the Spaniard has been playing an important part in the club as a true “9”. This, as was mentioned before, has earned him some recent playing time with the first team. His first game, which was played against Cadiz, gave a hint of the potential he has. It also revealed some of the assets he brings to the table.

Will Los Blancos give him the opportunity?

It is possible that Luka Jovic and Mariano Diaz will not be able to contribute as much to the team as Latasa will be able to if he is given an official promotion. He will be exposed to a wider area of the game. This will not help Latasa improve individually. It will also benefit the team in ways that Luka Jovic cannot.

If anything, Real Madrid’s relatively new strategy of entrusting the younger generation rather than recruiting big-money players has proven beneficial in the cases of Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo Goes. It may only strengthen the argument for Latasa to be brought in as Benzema’s backup striker for the upcoming season.