The start of a new season usually ignites the enthusiasm of those players formed in the youth academy who have already gone through all the necessary stages and begin to knock on the doors of the first team. Many of them barely cross them and end up packing their bags in search of new destinations, but others manage to convince their respective coaches and end up making a place for themselves in the first team.
In this start of the 2017-2018 season, several youth players have already managed to step up and establish themselves as fundamental pieces of their teams. The most obvious case is that of Fabián Ruiz (21 years old), an elegant midfielder who already had several appearances with the first team of Real Betis, but it is this year, thanks to the trust that Quique Setién has given him, when he has managed to acquire the undoubtedly expected prominence.
Also catching attention is the arrival of Unai Núñez in the professional squad of Athletic Club. The 20-year-old central defender has naturally assumed the enormous responsibility of filling in for Yeray Álvarez and has been able to position himself as the main partner of Aymeric Laporte, displacing the experienced Xabi Etxeita from the race. Likewise, the Athletic Club fans also smile at the sight of left-winger Íñigo Córdoba running down the wing, who now, following Iker Muniain's injury, will have an excellent opportunity to establish himself.
Real Sociedad, Málaga or Valencia also boast homegrown players
About 100 kilometers away from the Basque capital, in San Sebastián, Real Sociedad fans can also boast of their youth academy. This year, the already established Mikel Oyarzabal and Álvaro Odriozola have been joined by Portuguese left-back Kevin Rodrigues (23 years old), right-back Andoni Gorosabel (21 years old), and midfielder Igor Zubeldia (20 years old), players who are gradually gaining importance in Eusebio Sacristán's plans.
In Málaga, the spotlight has shifted from Javi Ontiveros, embroiled in a delicate controversy with Michel, to focus on Alejandro Mula, a 21-year-old midfielder who has already started in 6 out of 7 league matches. On the other hand, in UD Las Palmas, a team accustomed to promoting youth academy players, it is defender Borja Herrera (24 years old) and talented midfielder Fabio González (20 years old) who are starting to attract attention. Something similar is happening at Valencia, where the already established Carlos Soler has been joined by defenders Nacho Vidal (22 years old) and Toni Lato (19 years old) this season.
Naturally, in this quick review of youth academy players who are starting to make their way, it is worth mentioning the Moroccan Achraf Hakimi (18 years old). Promoted to the first team of Real Madrid this summer, the right-back could face the exciting and challenging task of replacing the injured Dani Carvajal. In his debut against Espanyol, he had a more than notable performance and it is very likely that, to avoid other experiments, Zinedine Zidane will be forced to rely on him in successive matches.