“Jesé was the most talented player I saw during my time with Real Madrid”

Few people, if any, know Real Madrid’s youth academy as intimately as Abián Perdomo. His 13 years working at Valdebebas in various capacities, the last four as director of methodology and training, have given him a comprehensive and panoramic view of Real Madrid’s youth football setup, from the lowest categories through to the RM Castilla ‘B’ team.

Hundreds of young players who have passed through La Fábrica or are still there have developed under his supervision. His extraordinary professional skills caught the attention of the Moroccan Football Federation, who recently appointed him to a key role within the FA and he speaks to AS from Rabat.

—Why have you traded Madrid for Morocco?

“I was very happy at Valdebebas and I loved the work I was doing but just as Real Madrid proposed a change of role that I wasn’t enthusiastic about, a series of offers came in, one of them from Morocco. After analyzing it carefully, I decided to take the plunge and move on.”

−What convinced you?

“Everything. I had very interesting offers from Saudi Arabia from a financial standpoint, but Morocco presented me with a very attractive sporting project in terms of talent development, and it was a more balanced option. When the interest arose, I started to investigate and consult with people who know that style of football well, and we began to talk more seriously, until I made the decision to come.”

−What has been found?

“It’s wonderful. When I arrived at the Federation’s training complex, next to Rabat airport, I was blown away. Aside from the immense talent they have in terms of young players, the facilities are impressive, with more than ten spectacular pitches, top-notch gyms and recovery pools, and material, human, and financial resources that surprised me. Technologically, they have a very advanced platform that tracks players, both domestic and international, who are eligible for selection. The moment I arrived, I knew it was the perfect place to continue my career. It’s a national project, not just a federation project, and they’re putting everything they have into growing. They have four large national training centers and plan to open a fifth.”

−What will their mission be?

“I’m part of Fathi Jamal’s team. He’s a highly respected man here and the leader of this project. My role is to coordinate and recruit talent from the Under-23 team down. His leadership was crucial in my decision to join. My role will focus on providing a methodological framework for the entire youth academy and promoting the mission of the development centers. Recruitment and training are two of our main objectives. I’m currently studying and analyzing a lot. I feel committed to this project.”

−Is Morocco the future?

“Without a doubt. They have the potential to be one of the dominant forces in world football in a few years. In fact, they are absolute semifinalists and Under-20 champions. They are doing things very well.”

−Do you still regret that Lamine Yamal chose Spain?

“Absolutely not. They did everything they could, but it wasn’t meant to be. Now they’re focusing on those who can and want to be there. They’re always looking forward, not back. Obviously, having him would be a huge improvement, but they value those who want to be there.”

−Achraf and Brahim are indeed there…

“They are two role models. Both are extremely important here. The project the Federation has been developing for years to convince potential call-ups is excellent and well-structured. As a result, they have managed to attract a lot of talent. Hakimi and Brahim are two examples they frequently use when trying to convince other young players from abroad to come.”

−How much did Ancelotti influence you?

−Plenty as I was lucky enough to be by his side for quite some time, and he’s a master. Every day I learned something new from him. Even his silences spoke volumes. Both he and Raúl González helped me grow a lot professionally.

−Who is the most talented player you have seen at Valdebebas in your 13 years there?

—Jesé Rodríguez. I have a soft spot for many players, but he was exceptional, one of those who won matches. You’d see him play at the Di Stéfano when he was at his peak and he was dazzling. He had a tremendous gift for football.

−The one who evolved the most through effort?

“Perhaps Nico Paz. He wasn’t a star when he arrived, but he grew little by little, quietly, and improved so much that he became a spectacular footballer. At first, he struggled to integrate because of his shy nature; he was in the background, but his development was tremendous. He was also lucky to have Raúl as his coach. Without his influence and advice, perhaps the Nico of today wouldn’t be the same.”

−Do you see him ready to return... and be the protagonist?

“He’ll definitely return, but whether he becomes a key player will depend on his confidence and consistent playing time. Patience with the first team is rare at Real Madrid, but his level is exceptional, and he could easily earn a place because he’d fit in perfectly. Honestly, I’d love to see him back in the first team because I know what he’s capable of, where he comes from, and what he can achieve. But I’m afraid that if he returns, he won’t get playing time, and we’ll lose a tremendous talent. That extra push to make the leap is crucial. Some players have lacked that.”

−To whom?

“For example, Sergio Arribas. He’s an impressive footballer, far superior to the Second Division, where he is now. Important players from the first team asked him to train with them because his quality is enormous. If he had stayed with them for any reason, perhaps he’d still be there or playing in the Champions League for a top team.”

−What impression did Carreras make on you?

“From the beginning, I saw he had something special. It took him a while to adapt, but I insisted we had to be patient with him. He understood the game very well from his position and I was certain he could make it to professional football. I’m so happy to see him there. He’s a case that exemplifies the capacity for progress and self-belief. Just like Asencio and Gonzalo. They’re two lads with personality, resilience, and a strong work ethic.”

−Jacobo Ramón and Chema Andrés are growing a lot…

“They’re two of my favorites. Jacobo has the profile of a great center-back with good footwork, perfect for a team that wants to dominate matches, and Chema has an enormous capacity to understand the game, works hard, and is physically imposing. I’m confident they’ll go far.”

−Could Gonzalo García be Real Madrid’s number nine?

“That needs to be proven. We’re talking about a position that has historically been dominated by world-class players. Gonzalo is phenomenal, and even if he’s not ready to be the starting striker, he has more than enough ability to challenge whoever is the regular starter. He has character and a competitive spirit that’s hard to find. He’s the kind of player any club would want.”

−Of those loaned or transferred with a buy-back option…

“I think Alex Jiménez is fantastic. He’s currently on loan at Bournemouth from Milan. He has the potential to be in the first team and a clear chance of becoming the right-back of the future if he can balance his game and his mentality. Jacobo Ramón could also have a place in the first team.”

−Who is currently the academy player with the best chance of making the first team?

“In my opinion, César Palacios. That kid has something special, and I think he’s ready to have a chance with Xabi Alonso’s team. There are others who are aiming high, like Joan Martínez, Yáñez, Leo Lemaitre, Enzo Alves, Hugo Fernández, Bugarín, Raúl Andrei… but the closest right now is Palacios.”

−Is Real Madrid’s youth academy on par with Barcelona’s?

“Absolutely. I’d say even a little ahead, and I don’t mean to sound arrogant. Barcelona has given more opportunities to young players because of their situation, but in terms of quality, they’re at a similar level or slightly better than Real Madrid.”

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