Alvaro Morata

(Juventus/Spain)

O n the face of it, Alvaro Morata’s career started in much the same way as most youngsters trying to break into a top-tier side like Real Madrid, in that the striker spent most of his first few years of senior action sitting on the bench watching the world’s most expensive players. However, while most in that situation are farmed out on loan to a smaller side to gain some playing time, Morata’s next move was a €20m switch to Italian giant Juventus.

Despite the move, Madrid still very much have Morata bookmarked for a future at the Bernabeu, something demonstrated by the fact they write about him as if he is a current player on their website. So it’s testament to the youngster’s immense promise that Juve are willing to take a risk on developing him into a first-class forward only for Los Merengues to benefit. That risk might just pay off this term, as Morata’s recent displays have helped the Bianconeri establish a clear lead at the top of Serie A and put them 2-1 up on Borussia Dortmund in their Champions League last-16 tie.

Alvaro Morata: Real Madrid’s golden boy

After spells with both Atletico Madrid and Getafe’s academies, Morata joined Real Madrid in 2008, and promptly set about building his reputation by scoring bucketloads of goals for the club’s youth sides. The young striker bagged 34 goals and claimed two youth titles in 2009/10 season, firmly planting himself on Jose Mourinho’s radar.

Morata’s senior debut came in December 2010, when he came off the bench in a 3-1 win over Real Zaragoza. Although there were plenty of Real Madrid fans who were keen to see more of the youngster, Morata made only three senior appearances in total during the 2010/11 and 2011/12 seasons.

Further opportunities came in 2012/13 and Morata bagged his first senior goal by coming off the bench against Levante in November to notch the winner in a 2-1 Madrid victory. His first start came against Rayo Vallecano in February, and Morata needed just three minutes to hit the target on that occasion. However, those were his only goals of the 2012/13 campaign as Mourinho continued to be wary of using the youngster too frequently.

It was a different story on the international stage, where Morata was shining for Spain’s youth sides. The striker claimed the Golden Boot for the Under-19 team as they won the 2011 U19 European Championship, and then grabbed the same individual honour as the Under-21’s won the European Championship in 2013.

In 2013/14, with Mourinho back at Chelsea and Carlo Ancelotti at the Madrid helm, Morata established himself in Los Merengues’ first-team squad. The youngster played 34 times in all competitions, scoring nine goals. Considering that his time on the pitch was still limited, his record in La Liga was excellent. Morata scored eight times at a ridiculous average of 1.24 goals per 90 minutes, the best tally in the Spanish top flight.

Moving to Juventus

Morata was doing almost everything right when he could get on the pitch, but, surrounded by Galacticos, playing time was still far too limited. As a result, Madrid put him on the market at the end of the 2014 season, and Juventus eventually triumphed in the scrap for his signature, paying around €20m for the youngster.

The fee was a tremendous show of faith in Morata’s talent, especially as Madrid retain the option to buy the striker back at the end of either the 2015/16 or 2016/17 season. Los Merengues will have to pay up to €30m depending on how many matches Morata plays in Turin, but even that price-tag could seem a bargain if the 22-year-old continues to develop at his current rate.

SEE ALSO: The 10 Series – Alvaro Morata and the 10 best youngsters in Serie A 2014/15.

Morata made a sluggish start to his career in Italy, scoring just four times in the first half of the campaign and picking up a red card in Juventus’ 3-2 win over title-rivals Roma. Although he was playing regularly, the 22-year-old was still starting most games on the bench.

However, since the turn of the year, Morata has come on leaps and bounds. In his last 14 appearances, the youngster has notched six goals and three assists, and is now making Max Allegri’s starting 11 as often as not.

After coming off the bench to grab the winner against Palermo in the Bianconeri’s last match, Morata is likely to start against Dortmund in the Champions League last 16, especially considering his excellent display in the first-leg. Morata scored Juventus’ second in the 2-1 win, and it was his shot that led to Carlos Tevez’s opening goal.

SEE ALSO: Borussia Dortmund v Juventus: Five key battles that will decide the Champions League last 16 2nd leg

Playing Style

There are very few chinks in Morata’s armour. Standing 6-foot-3 tall, he is powerful and strong in the air. The youngster is also a capable crosser when played on the flanks, quick over the ground and, most importantly, a fine finisher.

His goal record for Madrid and Spain’s youth sides is exceptional, and he has shown that natural knack for finding the net in his limited time on the pitch at senior level as well. It’s also worth noting that of Morata’s seven Serie A goals this term, three have come from his left foot, two from his right and two from his head. The boy can do it all.

Morata has been inconsistent for Juventus at times, and, as was the case at Madrid, when coming off the bench he can attempt to do too much to try and impress, wasting possession as a result. However, with more playing time, Morata has shown a more balanced approach. And he’s been important in Juventus’ build-up play as he’s able to keep fast attacks moving or hold up the ball when required.

Morata’s incredible goal record will likely falter with more playing time, but his improved all-round contribution should more than make up for that. As he finds his rhythm in Juventus’ side, he has displayed the ability to roam around the pitch helping build attacks, and his burgeoning partnership with Tevez should make every Bianconeri fan very excited indeed.

The future: back to Madrid?



Morata’s situation at Juventus is a strange one. Each impressive display makes it more likely that Real Madrid will exercise their right to buy him back at some stage, meaning his recent improvement is a bittersweet pill for the Old Lady to swallow.

H e has always been earmarked as a future Madrid icon. Morata was labelled the next Raul almost as soon as he kicked a ball in the academy, and the distress at his move to Juventus demonstrated the eagerness many fans have to see him succeed at the Bernabeu.

Assuming he continues to develop at Juventus, the pressure to bring him back to Madrid will be irresistible: Morata certainly seems to have the ability to lead the line at Real Madrid. The 22-year-old will likely spend at least another season in Italy, and he has the perfect chance to hone his talent at Juventus. But, despite his unusual path, Morata still seems destined for success at Real Madrid.

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Photo courtesy of @AlvaroMorata via Twitter.