Real Madrid's summer arrivals have spent more time in the stands than on the pitch

Posted Tuesday, December 26, 2017 by Marca.com

Marcos Llorente, Borja Mayoral, Jesus Vallejo, Theo Hernandez and Dani Ceballos all joined Real Madrid's first-team squad last summer, the latter two being signed from Atletico Madrid and Real Betis respectively, while the other three returned from loan spells.

However, it has not been the most productive half a season for the quintet, as they have spent more time watching their teammates from the stands than they have spent on the pitch.

Theo is the player to have racked up the most minutes of these five youngsters, but even he has only featured in 24 percent of the total minutes Real Madrid have played so far in 2017/18.

Even with Marcelo's stuttering performances, the French left-back only has 622 minutes to his name.

Matches played

Borja Mayoral 14 (4 as a starter)

Dani Ceballos 13 (4 as a starter)

Theo Hernandez 11 (6 as a starter)

Marcos Llorente 9 (4 as a starter)

Jesus Vallejo 4 (4 as a starter)

Further down the list, Ceballos has played just 458 minutes - 17.6 percent of the total - and Llorente has 438 minutes - 16.8 percent of the total.

Mayoral's case is an interesting one, as he has featured in 14 different matches, more than any of these five players, for a total of 440 minutes and the striker has scored four goals, making the most of his scarce opportunities.

Then there is the case of Jesus Vallejo, who has played just 359 minutes - 13.8 percent of the total - given that he has been injured, given that he was suspended for the Copa del Rey second leg against Fuenlabrada and given that he is the fourth-choice centre-back.

Matches in which they've not featured

Jesus Vallejo 25 (20 not on the squad list)

Marcos Llorente 20 (11 not on the squad list)

Theo Hernandez 18 (4 not on the squad list)

Dani Ceballos 16 (2 not on the squad list)

Borja Mayoral 15 (9 not on the squad list)

He has been left out of 20 squad listss and, like the four others, has been spending more time watching on from afar as he has playing.

With January arrivals likely, the situation could get worse before it gets better for these five summer additions.