A Young Star Scores History: Chema Andres Reflects on Training with Xabi Alonso and Scoring His First Goal
Chema Andres has recently shared an extraordinary chapter from his early football journey at Real Madrid’s youth academy, shedding light on the "spectacular" training sessions under none other than Xabi Alonso. But here's where it gets even more remarkable: Andres scored the very first goal in Alonso’s coaching career.
The Youngster Who Made Coaching History
Andres’ path has taken him from the manicured youth pitches of Madrid to becoming a central figure in Stuttgart’s midfield. Yet, one of the memories that stands out most vividly dates back to 2018. At just 13 years old, he joined Real Madrid’s academy and soon crossed paths with Alonso, who was just beginning his transition from legendary midfielder to budding coach.
Recalling that unforgettable season, Andres explains how he made history in Alonso’s very first managerial game: "He was my first coach at Real Madrid. We arrived together in the Under-14 A team, and I scored the first goal in the first match on a rebound, which is a bit of a funny story," he shared in an interview with AS.
But the goal itself wasn’t what left the deepest impression. The training sessions under Alonso, who stayed late perfecting passes to goalkeepers and practicing precision long balls, were what truly inspired Andres. "He would have us join him in practice, but of course, there was no comparison between his passes and ours," he said, highlighting just how meticulous and visionary Alonso’s approach was.
Rapid Rise at Stuttgart
Fast forward seven years, and Andres has firmly established himself as a Bundesliga starter. After making his senior debut for Real Madrid in early 2025, he transferred to Stuttgart during the summer, eager for consistent playing time at the top level. Even he was surprised by how smoothly the transition went.
Discussing his move, the 20-year-old explained, "It's a club that invests heavily in young talent. They aren't afraid to put young players in the spotlight during high-level matches. They had confidence in me early on and offered a project that genuinely intrigued me."
Andres quickly proved his worth on the field, delivering commanding performances that impressed both manager Sebastian Hoeness and the sporting director. His combination of physicality, tactical intelligence, and precise passing made him an immediate asset. Off the field, however, he faced a different challenge: the German language. "I recently saw Alejandro Grimaldo say it was an impossible language, and I totally agree. Luckily, I speak English well, which helps me communicate, but I want to keep improving my German in the coming months," he said with a laugh.
"I'm very happy. Nobody expected the adaptation to be this smooth, not even me. These past four months have been excellent, and I hope the next four are just as successful."
Reflections on Madrid and the U-21 Dream
Despite his move abroad, Real Madrid remains a central part of Andres’ story. He clarifies that leaving Spain wasn’t born out of frustration, although limited minutes at the Club World Cup nudged him toward the decision. "It wasn't the deciding factor, but it tipped the scales. I had been considering it beforehand but waited until after the World Cup to be sure," he explained.
Throughout his development, Andres has been guided by several mentors, from Raul and Alvaro Arbeloa in the academy to Lucas Vazquez and Thibaut Courtois during first-team training. His grandfather, who attended almost every game while Chema was growing up, remains a vital influence. "The poor man still hasn’t seen me play in Germany, but he will. He’s been a key person in my life; without him, I wouldn't be here," he said.
Looking Ahead: Stuttgart and Beyond
This season, Andres has emerged as one of Stuttgart’s standout young talents. His blend of height, strength, intelligent distribution, and game-reading ability has significantly bolstered the team’s midfield. In 12 games across competitions, he has already registered a goal and an assist.
Importantly, his contract includes a buy-back clause from Real Madrid, signaling that the Spanish giants still have faith in his potential. Meanwhile, Stuttgart sees him as a long-term cornerstone of their midfield.
Looking forward, Andres keeps his goals simple: earn more minutes at Stuttgart, continue contributing to Spain’s U-21 squad, and finish the year on a high note. When asked about breaking into the senior national team, he chuckled: "Forget it, that’s not on my mind right now."
The Controversial Question: Could Andres’ rapid rise abroad challenge the traditional path for Spanish youth players staying in La Liga? Or is this just the start of a new trend of young talents thriving outside Spain? Share your thoughts below!
