Real Madrid head coach, Xabi Alonso is interested in a gifted youngster, Cesar Palacios. The player is making waves in the club’s academy ranks.
The head coach shaping Madrid’s next gen
Xabi Alonso has an impact on Real Madrid that goes beyond tactics or training sessions. His vision for future is for aspiring academy players to get first-team status has emerged. Together with coach Alvaro Arbeloa, Alonso has built a system that is focused on hard work and belief, rather than name alone.
In the past calendar year, names like Thiago Pitarch, Gonzalo Garcia, and Joan Martinez moved a step closer to senior football while under his watch. More than anyone else, they have got plenty of help from Alonso’s steady hand and belief in looking at youth to be the future of the club.
Now, his eyes has turned toward another bright face from La Fabrica, Cesar Palacios. The talk around Madrid is that Alonso has been closely watching the young star’s rise after his recent good run of games. Anyone who has watched Palacios in action knows he is not just another player from the youth setup. The young star possesses creativity, capability and the mentality that reflects what the club, Real Madrid, stands for.
🇪🇸César Palacios (20, 2004)
Scores for Real Madrid Castilla.
Potentially a big talent, think he should look at Nico Paz at Como and consider a similar move fired pic.twitter.com/hTsikwOCxG— António Mango (@AntonioMango4) October 5, 2025
The Cesar Palacios comeback story
Cesar Palacios’ rise hasn’t been smooth. He went through a tough stretch when a serious injury that hit his debut dreams. While many young players could have broken after such big setback issue, but Palacios chose to fight back. He showed in his youth team performance against top teams what his mindset was. In his last game, he scored twice and had an assist. He was strong and solid. It was not just a normal game, but a big statement from the youngster.
Before this game, the Los Blancos’ youth side lost four games in a row. That win has gave a huge amount of confidence to the players to put some faith back into the academy system. Palacios showed composure and technical quality and led by example for the team. He is also flexible, able to play in various roles in midfield or play as a false nine as well. His awareness on the ball and ability to break lines with great passes are a good fit to Alonso’s style of football.
Future plans and a potential first-team call for Cesar Palacios
Reports suggest Alonso’s interest in Palacios didn’t start yesterday. During his Bayer Leverkusen spell, the head coach was said to be tracking the young midfielder’s growth. Now, that he’s back in Madrid, the interest feels more direct. With his close talks with Arbeloa, Alonso is constantly updated on the progress of players like Palacios. This talks have already aided the young stars to earn some key minutes with the first team, and Palacios may be next. He thrives in the Castilla ranks because of his two-footed control, quick understanding of the game, and leadership.
As someone who takes pride in IQ and workrate on the pitch, Palacios is effectively checking every box for Alonso. It would not be overly surprising to see him back training with the first team soon; especially with the Madrid side doing what they can to internally develop players rather than signing people. The midfielder looks hungry, confident, and ready to take the chance, everything that Alonso will be looking for in a player.
Author’s Opinion:
Cesar Palacios has plenty of potential and sets aa big example of what Real Madrid’s academy is all about. He shows resilience, technical brilliance, and faith. If Alonso continues to trust him, we may see one of the next midfield star coming up from La Fabrica. The signs are there and the only thing that Palacios needs is his moment on the big stage.
