Real Madrid continue to have talented players coming through their academy who look destined for greatness in the future.
While not all these players may get a chance in the first team, “the club often makes a good profit from selling them”, according to Madrid Universal.
This helps them strengthen the first team by bringing in players like Carlos Espi, who is already making an impression despite limited opportunities.
Coincidentally, another youngster with a similar nickname has been quietly making waves at Valdebebas.
The youngster has registered six assists in just ten appearances for Juvenil A this season, an impressive return considering his defensive position.
Interestingly, his tally exceeds those of several established first-team stars, including Arda Guler with five, Jude Bellingham with four and Kylian Mbappe with three.
He also leads the academy rankings, ahead of Juvenil A team-mate Company, who has five assists, and Castilla midfielder Leiva, who has two.
However, Espi is about more than just his attacking contributions.
The teenager has established himself as an important member of Alvaro Lopez’s defensive set-up.
His development has now earned him a place in Real Madrid C’s squad for Sunday’s encounter against San Sebastian de los Reyes.
It is very clear that Espi is considered one of the biggest talents coming through Castilla at the moment.
The defender was previously included in Castilla’s squad against Alcorcon in September and has attracted attention from coaches Julian Lopez de Lerma and Marc Carrasco.
It is still early days, but Espinosa will know that if he continues to develop at a similar rate, it won’t be long before Jose Mourinho starts to take notice.
The Portuguese manager will want young players who are determined to prove themselves at the highest level.
Left-back had been a problem position for the first team until this past summer, when the club signed Marc Cucurella.
Espi could look to provide competition for the Spaniard at some point in the future, and it remains to be seen how his evolution pans out.