The 18-year-old has assisted Los Blancos in their preparations for the 2023–24 season but has yet to make his formal first-team debut.
Paz came on as a second-half replacement in a recent friendly match between Real Madrid and Manchester United. According to numerous sources, Paz has impressed during first-team training sessions in the US.
Jude Bellingham’s high-profile summer arrival to Los Blancos strengthened an already-strengthening central midfield position, but Ancelotti has stated that Paz is very much in his future plans.
Nico is a really talented young man. He has the appearance of a starter. He needs to grow, so we don’t want to put pressure on him, but he has the talent to play for Real Madrid in the future,” he told the press.
Prior to joining Real Madrid in 2016, Paz played for CD San Juan and Tenerife during his youth career. He then advanced through many age groups before making his Real Madrid Castilla debut in January 2022.
The Argentina Under-20 international has now made 24 appearances for Real Madrid’s reserve team, contributing two goals and three assists.
Paz hopes to play a part in Real Madrid’s final preseason match of the summer against Juventus on Wednesday. After that, the club will return to Spain to get ready for their La Liga debut on August 12 against Athletic Bilbao.
“If we evaluate what we’ve accomplished thus far, it’s been good. We have made a few attempts, and they have all gone rather smoothly. The tour will end tomorrow, and we intend to complete it as successfully as we can, Ancelotti said to reporters prior to the match with Juventus.
We must continue in this direction before deciding whether to change course or not.
“In a personal sense, I’m happy. Certain things need to be adjusted, but the players are happy with it. Tomorrow’s game is going to be a true test against seasoned, difficult competition.
“It feels great to be here. We’ve faced some elite competition in some important games. Additionally, we get the ability to interact with our American supporters. There are so many Madrid supporters here that are incredibly devoted to the team.
Real Madrid has played three friendlies in the US, defeating both AC Milan and Manchester United, although their most recent match saw them lose 3-0 to Barcelona in the El Clasico.