Real Madrid have a new wonderkid on the rise and Mourinho is already impressed

Real Madrid’s pre-season has already given Jose Mourinho plenty to think about, but one of the biggest positives may have come from a player few expected to be at the centre of attention.

Alexis Ciria has gone from making his first-team debut to becoming one of the most exciting stories of Real Madrid’s summer preparations.

The 18-year-old winger scored on his senior debut against Fiorentina and followed that performance with another eye-catching display against Ferencvárosi TC. 

Real Madrid eventually won 2-1, but Ciria’s contribution was one of the biggest talking points to emerge from the game.

Ciria was involved in the build-up to Real Madrid’s opening goal against Ferencvarosi, delivering the cross that allowed Mario Rivas to find the net with a header.

Naturally right-footed but operating primarily on the left wing, Ciria is comfortable taking on defenders and attacking them directly. 

His willingness to dribble and try something different has made him stand out among the younger players involved in Mourinho’s pre-season plans.

According to AS, the teenager had already been highly regarded at La Fabrica before he was given his opportunity with the first team.

“There are few like him,” people at Real Madrid were reportedly saying even before Ciria had properly established himself around the senior squad.

Alexis Ciria has been a sensation under Jose Mourinho. (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)

That belief is now becoming easier to understand, as the winger has shown that he is not intimidated by the jump in level. 

Whether he is facing experienced senior players or younger opponents, his approach remains the same.

“He doesn’t care who he’s up against,” those close to the situation have reportedly said.

Mourinho noticed Ciria during the early stages of pre-season.

The Portuguese manager eventually selected him as one of the four youngsters given a prominent role during the summer, and the decision has already started to look like a smart one.

Ciria started against Fiorentina, where he was on the scoresheet and was involved again against Ferencvarosi. 

That is a significant vote of confidence from Mourinho, especially when there are plenty of established players competing for minutes.

The youngster himself has made it clear that the manager has not asked him to overcomplicate things.

Alexis Ciria could be the next big thing at Real Madrid. (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)

“The manager asked me to be myself, to enjoy myself,” Ciria said after his first appearance.

That freedom appears to suit him.

“When the ball came to me, the world seemed to close in on me, but once it went in, it was a relief…”, he added.

Ciria may have the personality to attack defenders without hesitation, but he is still an 18-year-old experiencing the biggest opportunity of his young career.

Yet, his performances suggest he is handling it extremely well.

For now, it would be premature to suggest Ciria has already secured a permanent place in the Real Madrid first team. 

Pre-season can create excitement around young players, but maintaining that level once competitive football begins is a completely different challenge.

However, there are already enough signs to make his development worth following closely.