Madrid woke to another derby defeat on Sunday, with Atlético Madrid leaving Real Madrid to confront more than the arguments around the referee. Kang’s heavy challenge on Federico Valverde and Kylian Mbappé’s knee-to-knee incident with Giuliano drew attention, but the larger question was again in midfield: who can connect José Mourinho’s side to its forwards with authority and control?
Real Madrid had hoped to bring in Rodrigo Hernández, the World Cup Ballon d’Or winner, only for the midfielder to choose Barcelona. Across the continent, meanwhile, a player developed in Madrid’s own academy has begun to attract serious notice in England. Chema Andrés scored in Brighton’s 3-0 victory over reigning champions Arsenal, sealing the result with the final goal and underlining why his name is increasingly discussed in the Premier League.
A former Madrid prospect finding his place on the south coast
Chema spent seven years in Real Madrid’s system before departing for Stuttgart, with Madrid retaining 50 per cent of his economic rights. Brighton then paid around €22 million for him this summer, and his adaptation has gathered pace since arriving on England’s south coast.
The Arsenal performance brought the broadest spotlight yet, but it followed encouraging early displays for Brighton. At Stuttgart last season, the midfielder made 41 appearances and ranked among the top five per cent of Bundesliga midfielders for both defensive actions and aerial-duel output.
His game is built around a role that has become increasingly prized: a physically capable holding midfielder who is comfortable taking responsibility for the next pass. Chema combines positional discipline with tactical awareness, reads developing situations well and can remain composed when pressed. He is also able to slow or accelerate a match and play vertically when openings appear.
Those qualities inevitably invite comparisons with Rodrigo, albeit with much still to prove before such a parallel can carry much weight. Like the former Manchester City player, Chema can provide balance behind the ball, compete in duels, organise the side from deeper areas and begin attacks with measured distribution.
For Real Madrid, the contrast is difficult to ignore. A club seeking a midfielder able to bring order and link defence to attack has watched a home-grown player with that broad profile establish himself elsewhere. Brighton have acquired a 22-year-old midfielder still at the beginning of his rise; Madrid, after a bruising derby, have another reminder of the position still under discussion at the Bernabéu.
