Ever since Marcelo started getting older and more injury-prone, Real Madrid have had left-back issues. Ferland Mendy was signed as his replacement, but he has also struggled with injuries and spent time on the sidelines. This season, the manager decided to end all this and brought in a former Real Madrid graduate. Fran Garcia joined his former club, Real Madrid, from Rayo Vallecano.
The player in his early 20s showed a lot of promise away from the Bernabeu. His performances impressed many, and Madrid decided to bring him back to the club. Here is a look at why the Los Blancos were happy to have their academy graduate.
Decent fit in Ancelotti’s setup
Carlo Ancelotti has trusted his young full-back, and he has handed him opportunities right from the start. Garcia has played in four LaLiga matches for his new club this season.
The above viz shows his defensive territory for Real Madrid. He can read the game well and has made 17 interceptions for his team. It can be observed that five interceptions have been made in and around the six-yard box. This shows that the player has good game sense and is a star in the making.
Always on the front foot
Fran Garcia likes to run with the ball, and that is what attracted him back to his old club. With more than 150 progressive runs in 2022–23, the player created a lot of threats from the left flank. He likes to make use of the sideline and makes wide runs. His dribble success rate has also been above 60%.
A team like Real Madrid expects some good balls into the opposition penalty box from their full-backs. Garcia attempted 156 crosses in 2022–23 and nine in the current season. He has enjoyed just over a 30% success rate. However, these crosses have often found a teammate inside the 18-yard box. Players like Joselu and Bellingham will be eyeing the end of these crosses.
Attempting passes into the opposition’s penalty box often leads to a shot. Fran Garcia has 30 shot assists combined in the current and previous seasons. Most of these shot assists have been in the form of crosses. The player will look to improve his accuracy and contribute more to Real Madrid’s success this season.
The Los Blancos have made a decent start to this campaign and will look to stay at the same level. Ancelotti has a very young side, and he will expect them to play at the top level.
Visuals via TFA data viz engine
