Levante UD has strengthened its defense with the arrival of 18-year-old Ifeanyi Ndukwe on loan from Liverpool, bringing the squad’s average age down to 24. The team, led by Luis Castro, continues to rely on youngsters such as Nacho Pérez, Paco Cortés and Marc Santos.
A youthful reinforcement
Ndukwe arrives at Luis Castro’s back line, which has shown a clear preference for youth. With his addition, Levante becomes the youngest team in La Liga, with an average age of 24, just below FC Barcelona’s 24.1. In the previous season, the team lost 3-0 in Cornellà but saw the starting line-up of 17-year-old Nacho Pérez and 19-year-old Paco Cortés, and the introduction of 15-year-old Marc Santos in the second half.
The squad in numbers
Of the 28 players in the first team and the B side, five are under 20: Ndukwe (18), Nacho Pérez (17), Paco Cortés (19), Marc Santos (15) and Kareem Tunde (21). The oldest players are Jeremy Toljan (32), Mathew Ryan (34) and Aïsa Mandi (35). The 23-year-olds include Carlos Álvarez and Etta Eyong, while Manu Sánchez and Iván Romero are just over 25.
Castro’s philosophy
Luis Castro has shown that his strategy is based on the academy. Among the summer signings, none is over 25, except Mandi. Ndukwe is the youngest, followed by Yanis Musuayi (19, €2.5 million) and the loaned players from Villarreal, Thiago Fernández (2004) and Dani Requena. Hugo Sotelo will turn 23 in December and Enzo Bardeli joined in April at 25.
With its young squad, Levante aims to avoid relegation and consolidate its league position. The focus on youth is evident in every signing and in the team’s style of play.
