REAL MADRID fans were left baffled after noticing a highly-rated youngster training with the first team despite not being eligible.
Real picked up a 2-2 draw at Bayern Munich on Tuesday in the Champions League semi-finals and now have the upper hand ahead of next week’s second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu.
But before the first leg, Madrid fans noticed 20-year-old prospect Jeremy de Leon practising with the senior squad in Germany even though he isn’t registered for Europe’s elite competition.
Los Blancos signed De Leon from Castellon in January and have since shipped him out to their B team ‘Castilla’ to develop under manager and club legend Raul.
And the winger wasn’t included in Carlo Ancelotti‘s matchday squad in Europe, which is why fans were left confused with his presence in training – something that is actually a frequent occurrence.
One fan tweeted: “This mf is mysterious as f***, we signed him out of no where.
“He always appears in pictures, travels with the team even tho he’s not named in the squad.”
Another commented: “Would be a crazy story if he got his chance due to some absences and won us an important game.”
A third wrote: “The Puerto Rican Messi.”
This fan said: “4 months ago he was playing on a random team from Spain.”
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And that one stated: “We are already seated waiting for a master class from you someday.”
Ancelotti explained he often includes De Leon in Real‘s training despite being at almost full strength because he needs 20 players for each session.
Plus, the Italian tactician was told by Raul that the Puerto Rican lad is “very good” and thus didn’t take long to realise he adds a lot to his first-team training.
Ancelotti said: “We want 20 of us in training and in recent games we’ve called on Jeremy a few times because having spoken to Raul, he’s been very good for Castilla and he’s a disciplined lad.
“He adds something to our training sessions because he’s a young kid with real quality.”
By Jon Boon
LAURA CELIA VALK is the stunning Dutch fashion model who has stolen Jude Bellingham’s heart.
The Sun exclusively revealed that she’s been staying at his place in Madrid and is completely smitten with him.
Laura boasts a huge social media following and regularly travels the world, enjoying a luxurious lifestyle.
From underwear modelling to showing off Pretty Little Thing’s latest wear, she regularly collaborates with fashion houses around the globe.
Wherever she is, Laura makes sure to drop into Chanel – her favourite designer.
She’s also quite the foodie, with pizza and strawberries being her favourites.
It won’t be long before we see her at the Bernabeu enjoying a prawn sandwich!
Find out more about Laura.
Or read all the latest Jude Bellingham news.
