Real Madrid's injury crisis in defense led to Xabi Alonso making a bold decision, which was to bring in 19 year old Víctor Valdepeñas for his first ever professional football game as a Real Madrid player against Alavés.The Spanish defender put in an impressive performance, and looked like a player that Alonso could count upon for the remainder of the season which is packed with lots of games in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. So who is Víctor Valdepeñas? Scroll down below to find out.
Víctor Valdepeñas - How his football career began
Valdepeñas joined the academy of AD Villa Rosa as a youth player, thus beginning his chapter in football. This was followed by a move to Rayo Vallecano in 2016. After being impressed by him, Real Madrid decided to sign Valdepeñas in 2018 for their youth side. However, the Spaniard couldn't make much progress and ended up joining Leganes in 2020. What happened next was the first major indicator that this wasn't your average player, but an individual with solid mental strength and composure that would keep on working hard to achieve his dreams. Valdepeñas improved his game at Leganes, to the extent where Real Madrid ended up resigning him to their youth side. The Spanish defender was then promoted to the C team in 2024, and his progress was so rapid that the player was again promoted to the reserves side the very same year.
Real Madrid and Xabi Alonso have a potential gem in their hands
The rise of Valdepeñas continued at Madrid with every passing month. After matchday 7, he managed to establish himself as a starter of Real Madrid's Casilla side. In fact, he went on to play a total of 888 from that period, which was only second to center back Joan. Valdepeñas boasts of an exciting player profile as well, with the Spanish being a versatile footballer who can play both as a centre-back and left-back. He is physically strong as well, and has even recorded 34 km/h. His ability to repeat high-intensity runs again and again is another major plus. Additionally, Valdepeñas boasts of a wonderful striking ability as well.
Whenever Valdepeñas trains with the senior side, he is reported to be studying the likes of Federico Valverde and Antonio Rudiger, with the latter especially being a huge source of inspiration since he also plays as a centre-back. After his impressive debut against Alavés that saw him play over 78, the Spaniard is now expected to be more involved with the Real Madrid first-team for the remainder of the season.
