By SABC Sport
17th August 2023
As coach Carlo Ancelotti strives to find a fitting replacement, a compelling candidate has emerged in the form of Marvelous Antolin Garzon, affectionately known as Marvel, according to reports from AS.
The diagnosis of Militao's ruptured ACL, coupled with Thibaut Courtois' absence, dealt a blow to Madrid's prospects for the ongoing La Liga campaign. With just three central defenders at his disposal, Ancelotti's search for solutions has led him towards the ranks of the Castilla team.
Marvel, a promising 20-year-old centre-back hailing from Morocco, has been catching the manager's eye during recent training sessions with the senior squad. His adeptness in defensive timing and comfort on the ball bears striking similarities to the renowned David Alaba, making him an intriguing prospect for Ancelotti's plans.
While Marvel's potential shines bright, Ancelotti remains prudent in his approach. The manager looks to be cautious about thrusting a young talent into the high-pressure arena without ample preparation. As a contingency measure, Ancelotti seems to be contemplating the versatility of Dani Carvajal and Ferland Mendy to fill in at centre-back if the need arises.
Nacho Fernandez stands ready as the premier backup for stalwarts Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba. This multi-pronged approach illustrates Ancelotti's determination to bolster the defensive line in the face of challenges.
The upcoming La Liga clash against Almeria looms on the horizon, an early kick-off on Saturday. The burning question remains: will Marvel make his mark on the grand stage, earning a spot in the squad for Estadio del Mediterraneo, or will he be granted more time to integrate seamlessly with the senior ensemble?
As the excitement mounts, all eyes are on Marvelous Antolin Garzon, a rising star poised to make his indelible mark on Real Madrid's journey.