Coming into the new season, Real Madrid had two world-class right-backs – veteran club captain Dani Carvajal and marquee summer signing Trent Alexander-Arnold.
But in a matter of weeks, Los Blancos have lost both their ace right-backs to injuries, leaving manager Xabi Alonso without a recognised senior player in the role.
The manager has previously turned to Raul Asencio in the position while Federico Valverde could also be a makeshift option – having filled in at right-back last season.
David Jimenez emerges as an option
Now, as AS reports, Real Madrid youngster David Jimenez has also presented himself as an option for manager Alonso.
In the absence of Carvajal and Trent, Jesus Fortea was tipped to provide cover from Castilla, but the youngster’s call-up to the Spain squad for the U-20 World Cup, has paved the way for Jimenez, who has been called up for tomorrow’s game vs Kairat Almaty.
Jimenez was previously called up to the squad for matches against Espanyol and Levante. Last season, Carlo Ancelotti also included him to add depth to the bench against Alaves and Mallorca, though his big break has yet to arrive.
Those at Valdebebas rate the 21-year-old right-back very highly. “He goes all out and is a leader; he has that Carvajal-like quality,” they say about him. Yet he also boasts a trait more reminiscent of Trent: a superb right foot on set pieces.
Jimenez represents one of those academy products who knows the system inside out. A true ‘veteran’ of La Fabrica, he arrived in 2013 from Móstoles URJC, and has risen through the ranks.
The right-back considers club legend and current Castilla manager Alvaro Arbeloa his idol, and even though Fortea’s presence has limited his minutes this season, Jimenez might just get his big breakthrough at the first-team level soon amidst the injury problems.