Lamini Fati Real Madrid defender development, Digi Mart USA News: In an interview with AS, Manolo Rueda, Lamini Fati’s former coach at Getafe, explained what makes the young defender so special. He believes Real Madrid may have a future defender of real talent.
The 20-year-old defender joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2025. A year later, he had already trained with the first team under Mourinho during pre-season.
He has also begun his first steps with Castilla, where he started for the first time on October 25 against Algeciras.
According to Rueda, Lamini has the qualities needed to go even higher. “I have enormous confidence in him, and I think he is in the best place to develop all his qualities.
Lamini is a little Rüdiger,” he said.
“He has an essential quality to play for Real Madrid, given his global exposure. He knows how to live with mistakes.
After an error, he is able to analyze it and get back into action quickly.”
“Defensively, without the ball, he has everything,” he said. Rueda also highlighted his qualities in aerial play, an area where the young defender could still improve.
“He resembles them a lot and could very well partner with both,” he added. His former coach even believes Lamini can become a starter at Real Madrid, provided he continues to progress.
“If he is able to repeat these efforts and behaviors while pushing them toward excellence, we could see a little Rüdiger.”
