Real Madrid has surprised the soccer world with an unexpected decision in the goal for the first team. After Keylor Navas's departure and Thibaut Courtois's recent injury, it was expected that the club would opt for a new reinforcement or trust the substitute goalkeeper, Andriy Lunin. The surprise came from the lower categories, with a young talent that Florentino Pérez has decided to integrate into the first team.
Fran González: the Promise of the Youth Team
Fran González, a goalkeeper who is just 19 years old, has been shining at Real Madrid Castilla. He seems to be living up to the expectations placed on him. Fran is two meters tall[6' 7"]and has been performing well. He has shown that he has what it takes to occupy a place in the first team. Despite his young age, his performance has impressed the coaches, who see him as one of the most promising youngsters in the youth team.
The confidence in Fran is such that he not only handles the Castilla goal, but also trains with the first team. The results of the reserve team are not always good. However, his confidence between the posts and his interventions have placed him as a great promise.
Luis Llopis's Support
Luis Llopis, the first team's goalkeeping coach, has played a key role in Fran González's development. Llopis was one of the first to realize the young goalkeeper's potential when he saw him in action during his time at Cultural. Since then, he hasn not hesitated to incorporate him into the first team training sessions, where he has worked alongside Courtois and Lunin.
This relationship has been crucial for Fran to polish his technique and earn experience at the high level of professional soccer. In addition, Llopis's trust has been essential for the goalkeeper to feel ready to make the leap to the first team.
The Future of Fran González
Fran's choice as the future starting goalkeeper has been confirmed with his recent draft to the U-21 national team, despite his young age. This selection confirms how much Real Madrid but also the Royal Spanish soccer Federation trust his potential.
With a contract in force and several offers from top clubs, such as Chelsea, Fran's future seems to be assured at Real Madrid. The young goalkeeper wants to play in the first team and everything indicates that he will do so for many years, with the potential to be one of the best.
Florentino Pérez has made a strong commitment to the youth system. Fran González could be the future of Real Madrid's goalkeeping.