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More than Morata: 5 Castilla rejects proving Real Madrid wrong

There's always been tense relationship between Real Madrid's first team and the Castilla.

But it's never come under such sharp focus as this week with Alvaro Morata scoring in Juventus' Champions League semifinal first-leg victory over Real.

Should Morata do the same again in Madrid, there must be a greater examination inside Valdebades about the club's strategy regarding their best young players.

This season, Morata isn't alone in proving there is success beyond Real Madrid and the Castilla:

FABINHOThe Brazilian fullback was brought to Europe four years ago by Portugal's Rio Ave before spending a year on-loan with Real Madrid, enjoying a season with the Castilla. Joined AS Monaco in a similar arrangement this term, where he has been outstanding. Fabinho's form has brought him to the attention of Barcelona, where new football director Ariedo Braida is a big fan.

LUCAS VAZQUEZWas the Castilla's outstanding player last season, before moving to Espanyol in the summer. The winger has been superb in his first campaign in the top-flight, where his form has seen him linked with Liverpool. Though his deal with Espanyol is a loan, its unlikely Real will seek to recall him in the summer. Espanyol president Joan Collet has already made it clear he wants to make Vazquez's stay permanent.

DENIS CHERYSHEVA Russia international, Cheryshev has been with Real Madrid since 12 years of age. Spent last season on-loan with Sevilla and this term has been outstanding for Villarreal. His form with the Yellow Submarine has seen the winger linked with Liverpool and Olympique Marseille. Carlo Ancelotti also rates Cheryshev highly and there is talk Real Madrid may recall him for next season. Though whether the 24 year-old will be happy with a bit-part role is another matter.

JOSE ANGEL POZOAllowed to come off contract at Real Madrid in 2012, Pozo was snapped up by Manchester City, where he has already made his Premier League debut. Joined Real Madrid as an 11 year-old and was tipped for big things by coaching staff at Valdebades. But Pozo chose not to turn pro with Real, convinced his progress to the Castilla would eventually become a dead end.

And while we're at it...

DANI CARVAJALCan be regarded as a rare Castilla success. After a year away with Bayer Leverkusen, was re-signed by Real Madrid and helped the club win the La Decima last season. However, it's emerged the fullback is now considering his options following Real's swoop for Porto defender Danilo. Such is the politics inside the Real locker room, Carvajal fears he will be sidelined next season for the Brazilian, whose record €31.5 million price-tag is likely to guarantee him a regular place for the start of next term.

More:

P1) WAKE UP! Why Florentino's bumbling Real Madrid deserve greater scrutiny

P2) Sergio Ramos: Form, ego and Real Madrid's demise

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