With no significant prizes there for the taking in the remaining La Liga matches against Villarreal and Real Betis, Carlo Ancelotti has the opportunity to put in a significantly rotated lineup for these matches. In fact, the Real Madrid head coach has been using his fringe players for some of the last matches in the league to give them the opportunity to shine on the pitch.
This is particularly the case for away games, and as tonight’s game is also set to be played at the Estadio de la Ceramica, Carlo Ancelotti can once again field his fringe players.
While the youth team players have rarely got the chance to step on the pitch this season, Mundo Deportivo reports that one player from the reserve team, Mario Martin, can actually get a start in this match.
Martin is one of the Real Madrid Castilla players most liked by Ancelotti, and the Italian tactician has frequently called him up in his squad. The player has already played for the first team in the matches against Arandina and Alaves but is yet to make his first start.
Tonight’s match against Villarreal is ideally suited to give him his first start, as Real Madrid have already won the league title, and with Aurelien Tchouameni out with an injury, Eduardo Camavinga needs to be kept fresh for the upcoming UEFA Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund on 1st June.
Camavinga has been playing in the last few matches, so Ancelotti can decide to rest him against Villarreal, and play Martin in his stead as the midfield pivot. The youngster clearly deserves getting this start as he has been quite impressive under Raul, and has been one of the most used players in his Castilla team.
The player has impressed with his physical prowess, understanding of the game, and self-confidence and courage during his time with Castilla. If he plays tonight, he might not venture as forward as Camavinga or Tchouameni are used to doing, but he is still capable of holding the team with his presence in the midfield.
