Real Madrid’s other ‘Espi’ earns Castilla attention after standout season

Jose Antonio Saiz Espinosa, the 18-year-old left-back known as “Espi”, is emerging as one of the most productive players in Real Madrid’s academy after creating six goals in 10 appearances for Juvenil A this season.

His total is the highest among the club’s four leading teams and even exceeds the assist figures of several first-team players. Arda Guler has five assists, while Jude Bellingham has four and Kylian Mbappe three.

Liva has provided two assists for Castilla, with his team-mate Company registering five for the youth side. Espinosa’s contribution is particularly notable given his defensive position and the range of responsibilities involved.

The youngster has become an important part of coach Alvaro Lopez’s Juvenil A side, earning a regular starting place despite competition from Liezcano, Liberto, Aguado and Valdepinas.

Manu Romero had been expected to challenge him strongly for the position, but two injuries suffered since the beginning of pre-season limited his involvement. Espinosa took advantage of the opening and impressed Lopez with performances that combined defensive reliability with attacking support.

His first appearance for Juvenil A this season came against AEK Athens, when Liezcano was suspended. That opportunity quickly developed into a regular role in the starting line-up.

Espinosa’s progress has also attracted attention from coaches higher up the academy structure. Real Madrid C manager Marc Carrasco and Castilla boss Julian Lopez de Lerma are monitoring his development.

He is now in contention to be included in the Real Madrid C squad for Sunday’s match against Sanse. The call-up would be his second of the season, following his appearance for Castilla against Alcorcon last September.

His possible inclusion has been helped by Liezcano’s involvement with the Spain Under-19 squad and by Juvenil A having a rest week. It is not yet certain that Espinosa will play, but joining the Real Madrid C squad would represent another significant step in his development and expose him to a higher level of competition.

Born on 6 May 2008 in Villamanrique de la Condesa, in the Seville area, Espinosa began playing in Sevilla’s youth system before moving to Altair.

Real Madrid scouts identified him in the summer of 2023, after which he joined Cadete A and began progressing through the club’s La Fabrica academy. He has since reached Juvenil A and established himself as one of its most prominent players.

His ability to defend, support attacks and create chances has strengthened his prospects of moving through the club’s teams. While Carlos Espe has attracted attention as one of the season’s surprises under Jose Mourinho, another player carrying the nickname “Espi” is now making his own case for a future at Real Madrid.