Since assuming the role of Real Madrid’s head coach in January, Alvaro Arbeloa has actively integrated young talents from the “La Fabrica” academy. Among them are David Jimenez, Thiago Pitarch, and Cesar Palacios, who have already showcased their abilities in La Liga and Champions League matches. Notably, one player has already secured a permanent position in the senior squad.
On Friday, Arbeloa gave 18-year-old Pitarch his first start for Real Madrid. His performance in the victory over Celta Vigo so thoroughly impressed the coach that, as reported by Diario AS, a decision has been made to keep the midfielder in the first team for the remainder of the current season.
Arbeloa emphasizes that Pitarch is not merely considered a temporary fill-in for the recently injured Jude Bellingham or Eduardo Camavinga. Instead, this young player is already a full-fledged member of Arbeloa’s squad, a decision made after he had spent only 152 minutes on the field for “Los Blancos.”
Arbeloa’s Immense Trust in Pitarch
The fact that Pitarch remained on the pitch longer than Arda Guler during Friday’s victory in Galicia clearly demonstrates Arbeloa’s enormous confidence in the young midfielder. The coach views him as a valuable player who will be utilized until the end of the current season, and should Arbeloa retain his position for the 2026/26 campaign, it is likely that Pitarch will continue to contend for a starting spot.
Real Madrid has historically seldom relied on graduates from its own academy, so supporters will be delighted to witness Pitarch donning the iconic white jersey. It will be interesting to see if he retains his place in the starting lineup for Wednesday’s upcoming match against Manchester City, especially given that Camavinga has now recovered from his recent tooth pain.
