Arbeloa revives Real Madrid’s forgotten academy | OneFootball

Álvaro Arbeloa has put Real Madrid’s academy back in focus, blending absences with faith in youngsters he coached before replacing Xabi Alonso two months ago. According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, Madrid have long used Castilla to raise fees, bringing in about 25 million last summer for six players with buy-back options, similar to 2024.

At Balaídos against Celta, a stoppage-time deflection from Valverde snatched the win. Arbeloa turned to three Castilla-registered players, starting Thiago Pitarch, 18, for the second match running, then at 1-1 sending on César Palacios, 21, before finishing with Manuel Ángel Morán, 21.

Across his 12 games, he has used six academy players. Beyond that trio, Jorge Cestero, 19, has featured in four, right-back David Jiménez, 21, in two, and Daniel Mesonero, 20, debuted late against Mónaco. Under Xabi Alonso, left-back Víctor Valdepeñas, 19, also debuted.

Excluding Asencio, 23, and Gonzalo, 21, in their first senior season, the last to cement a place direct from Castilla was Nacho Fernández, 36, who debuted in 2010 and now plays in Saudi Arabia. Others managed it after spells away, including Dani Carvajal, 34, Lucas Vázquez, 34, and Fran García, 26, whose short-term Bernabéu outlook appears bleak.

Among the current crop, Thiago Pitarch looks the most convincing, starting against Getafe and Celta. Arbeloa praised his personality, pressing and composure, saying he is earning minutes on merit. Whether he trusts him again on Wednesday against Manchester City remains to be seen.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo