Callejon backs Real Madrid youth system

Nov 8, 2012 8:20:00 PM

The attacker, who came through the ranks with the club before his brief spell with Espanyol, claims young players are given a fair chance to impress those who pick the first team

Real Madrid's Jose Callejon has backed the club's youth system after Los Blancos received criticism for their apparent lack of effort to bring their academy products into the first team.

Callejon came through the ranks at Santiago Bernabeu but could not force his way into the starting XI and was sold to Espanyol.

He has returned to the Spanish capital, though, and he believes that there is no argument regarding whether young players are given an opportunity at the Spanish champions.

"A lot of stupid things have been said about the youngsters. The whole squad are valued as Madrid players," he told AS.

"There are some that go directly into the first team and others like me who have to step down to get back in again, but we don’t need to keep on deliberating the matter."

The 25-year-old has been used mainly as a substitute by Jose Mourinho since his return to the club in 2011, and he was again utilised from the bench in Tuesday's dramatic draw with Borussia Dortmund.

The forward revealed that he hopes he can impress enough to be considered for a starting berth in future weeks.

"I really wanted to play and I wasn’t nervous. I was keen to get on and help the team because I hope for these opportunities and try to take advantage of them.

"It’s the boss who decides but when I get the chance I try to do my best."