A Radical shift in Real Madrid's policy. Carlo Ancelotti is starting to rely on the youth academy, not only with Raúl Asencio.
For tonight's match against Brest, Ancelotti has drafted Pol Fortuny, a 19-year-old Catalan from Tarragona. Fortuny is one of the most prized gems of the Madrid youth academy.
He rejected an offer from Barça before signing for Real Madrid
Real Madrid captured him in 2019 when he was playing in the lower teams of RCD Espanyol. He took the white jersey after rejecting an offer from Barça.
Tonight he will be sitting on Real Madrid's bench in the last match of the Champions League group stage. He will be ready to replace any of the white forwards if necessary. He performs well both as a winger and a center-forward.
The season is thrilling for Pol Fortuny, who alternates his matches between Castilla, Real Madrid C, and the Youth League. Right now he is one of the strongest assets of Raúl González's team.
He has scored one goal and provided six assists in 16 matches with the white reserve team. Ancelotti's reward comes to him due to his excellent shape. In the last three matches, he has provided 4 assists.
A serious injury could have ended his sports career
He is a fast and shocking winger in his actions and possesses a gold left foot. His career could have been cut short in April 2023, when he tore the cruciate ligament in his left knee.
That season he had scored 12 goals and provided 17 assists in 34 matches. But 329 days later, soccer brought him back and he has returned to his former self, the injury now forgotten.
His progression has led him to be drafted for the Under-19 national team, with which he was crowned European champion, showcasing a stellar role. Today he will receive the reward of the bench from Ancelotti against Brest. Pol Fortuny, however, is making his way into the team and is convinced that his quality is enough for more at Real Madrid.
Competition is fierce at Real Madrid, but Pol Fortuny is making his case to build a career at Real Madrid.