Nico Paz: Real Madrid's next midfield star ready to partner Jude Bellingham for years to come

Paz had something of an advantage from day one. His father, Pablo, was an excellent footballer in his own right, a centre-back who enjoyed a 21-year career starting in Argentina, before moving to La Liga, and ultimately finishing in the Canary Islands. He made 14 appearances for Argentina's national team, and was in the squad for the 1998 World Cup.

Nico, then, was earmarked as a talent from early on. Born on the island of Tenerife, Paz was originally, like his father, a centre-back. But as he grew and developed, it became clear that he was better used further up the field. It was something that Madrid realised when they signed him to La Fabrica — their elite youth setup — in 2016. Paz quickly became a promising attacking player, before settling into a central midfield role.

Paz's development in the Madrid ranks has been steady. Such is the quality of La Fabrica, that the player was offered time to grow and figure out his best position. He was training with Raul's Castilla side in 2021, and made his official debut for the team — Madrid's U-23s — in January 2022, then aged 17.

His first goal for the team came less than a week later, Paz bagging the opener against Getafe less than three minutes into the game. He settled in after that, and continued to impress. Ancelotti, who has historically has been reluctant to use the academy, called the youngster up to first team training last summer.

A Madrid injury crisis has proved to be a blessing for Paz. With Vinicius Jr out, Luka Modric struggling for fitness, and Brahim Diaz not quite ready for a full game, there was room for the youngster to earn a few minutes in white.

He made his debut against Braga in the Champions League, and worked his way into the side from there. Paz has now played for Madrid's senior side four times, and held his own in each instance.

Most recently, Toni Kroos — a player who knows a thing or two about being a successful midfielder — highlighted Paz's quality, saying: "This boy should train with us every day because he is very good."

And although he is a regular fixture on the Madrid bench, Paz's occasional showings for Castilla have been equally impressive; he has six goals to his name in 10 appearances.

According to The Athletic, Paz had hoped to work his way into the Spain squad. But with Luis de la Fuente showing little interest in the teenager, Argentina swooped in. Paz trained with the senior side ahead of the 2022 World Cup, and seems to be in line for a debut before too long.

Paz is an interesting player in that he doesn't quite have a defined position. Nominally a "playmaker", Paz has switched from centre-midfield, to box-to-box, to No.10 when needed.

Academy coaches highlighted his control in tight spaces, and corresponding strength to ensure that he doesn't get barged off the ball. He has an excellent right foot, and is also good in the air — his 6'1 frame allowing him to take on most central defenders. In a sense, then, all of the traits of a modern attacking player — versatility and all — are here.

Such is the hype around Paz that it's hard to pinpoint too many weaknesses in his game. However, there are a few minor issues. His lack of a clear position makes the teenager slightly erratic when he doesn't have the ball. For Castilla, he is a willing presser, but too often bypassed, and prone to silly fouls. That defensive discipline will have to improve if he is to break into this Madrid side — especially at one of the two interior positions. He will also need to adjust to the speed of the game at the highest level.

Otherwise, though, it's a question of letting the rising star strut his stuff on an elite level. He is, quite frankly, too good for Castilla.

He's Zinedine Zidane!

Not really. Although most of Madrid fan social media is convinced that this silky central midfielder is the next iteration of the Frenchman, Paz's skillset is different - and it's also pretty much impossible to be the next Zidane. There are some common traits to draw on that can lead to comparisons with a multitude of midfielders. His dribbling ability at such a size certainly evokes Bellingham, or perhaps Jamal Musiala. But Paz is far more direct than both players and not quite as composed on the ball, either.

Perhaps a more appropriate comparison, then, is Dominik Szoboszlai. The two share remarkably similar frames, while their beginnings as wingers, and subsequent switches to more central roles have cultivated a similar skillset. Both are silky yet powerful dribblers, with excellent shooting ability and admirable defensive work rate. Liverpool midfielder Szoboszlai might not be the finished product himself, either, but it's certainly a fine comparison.

Minutes, ideally at a high level. Dortmund were reportedly interested in signing Paz last January, but Real rebuffed all inquiries. It leaves Madrid with a decision to make. Both Kroos and Modric could leave Madrid next summer, which would certainly leave room in their midfield ranks — making Paz Los Blancos' primary backup.

Or, perhaps, Paz could be sent out on loan to any number of La Liga clubs, or maybe even sold with a friendly buy-back clause inserted in the deal. Either way, he needs to play high level football. The sky is the limit if he does.