Real Madrid Squad: Who is the Weakest Player in Carlo Ancelotti’s Team?

The Real Madrid squad is undoubtedly one of the most talented in Europe, boasting a roster filled with world-class players. However, amid the brilliance of Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Junior, and Luka Modric, one name stands out for all the wrong reasons: Jesús Vallejo. The Spanish defender has struggled to make any meaningful impact since rejoining the squad, and his continued presence on the bench has raised questions about his future.

Real Madrid’s season has been filled with highs and lows, but their recent trip to the Mestalla Stadium offered a thrilling moment of victory. Thanks to Jude Bellingham’s last-minute heroics, Real Madrid secured three crucial points against Valencia, further cementing their position at the top of La Liga. Yet, amidst this triumph, Vallejo’s name remains absent from the list of contributors, a stark reminder of his diminishing role in the team.

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Jesús Vallejo joined Real Madrid in 2015, arriving with high expectations as a promising young defender from Zaragoza’s academy. Unfortunately, his journey with Los Blancos has been marked by inconsistency, failed loan spells, and limited playing opportunities. Returning from Granada last summer, Vallejo was expected to compete for a spot in the defense, but his performances have fallen short of expectations.

His only appearance this season came against Alavés in September 2024, where he was subbed on with Real Madrid comfortably leading 3-0. However, what should have been an opportunity to impress turned into a nightmare. Vallejo’s entry destabilized the backline, and within minutes, Alavés scored and came dangerously close to equalizing. This disastrous performance led Carlo Ancelotti to promptly relegate him to the sidelines.

Since that fateful match, Vallejo has not played a single minute. To add insult to injury, Real Madrid’s coaching staff promoted Raúl Asensio, a promising reserve team defender, to the first team, effectively bypassing Vallejo. This decision underscores the lack of trust Ancelotti and his team have in the 27-year-old’s abilities.

Training sessions have done little to rebuild Vallejo’s confidence. Reports from Relevo reveal that Vallejo is considered the weakest defender in the squad. Clips of his struggles in training have circulated online, including a particularly embarrassing moment when Vinícius Junior dribbled past him with ease. These incidents have only further highlighted Vallejo’s struggles and eroded his standing within the team.

As the lowest-paid senior player in the squad, Vallejo’s presence seems more symbolic than strategic. Real Madrid has even resorted to repositioning Aurélien Tchouaméni as a central defender to address defensive gaps, further pushing Vallejo down the pecking order. His lack of game time and poor performances have made him a liability rather than an asset.

Despite his struggles, Vallejo remains a quiet and disciplined professional. He has not caused any disruptions within the squad, choosing instead to focus on his training and wait for an opportunity. However, with Ancelotti’s emphasis on winning every competition this season, it seems unlikely that Vallejo will get a second chance.

The future looks bleak for Vallejo at Real Madrid. With the summer transfer window approaching, it is almost certain that the club will look to offload him. A move to a mid-tier La Liga club or even a foreign league might provide him with the playing time he desperately needs to rebuild his career.

Fans and pundits alike have criticized Real Madrid’s decision to retain Vallejo, questioning whether his place in the squad could have been better utilized by promoting another young talent. Some have suggested that Vallejo’s continued presence highlights flaws in the club’s transfer and loan policies, which have failed to develop him into the player he was once expected to become.

Carlo Ancelotti, known for his ability to revive struggling players, has shown little interest in giving Vallejo another shot. This lack of faith from one of the most respected coaches in football is perhaps the clearest indication that Vallejo’s time at Real Madrid is coming to an end.

The pressure on Vallejo is immense. Playing for a club like Real Madrid comes with unparalleled expectations, and not everyone is equipped to handle the scrutiny. While players like Bellingham and Vinícius thrive under the spotlight, Vallejo has crumbled, unable to rise to the occasion when it mattered most.

For now, Vallejo remains on the fringes of the squad, a spectator to Real Madrid’s successes and struggles. His journey serves as a cautionary tale for young players aspiring to join top clubs: talent alone is not enough; mental strength, consistency, and adaptability are equally vital.

As Real Madrid marches forward in their quest for silverware, Vallejo’s story will likely fade into the background. But for the player himself, the challenge is far from over. Whether at Real Madrid or elsewhere, Vallejo must find a way to reignite his career and prove that he still has something to offer to the beautiful game.