Former Real Madrid star points out the key changes with team under Arbeloa | OneFootball

Real Madrid appear to have entered a new phase after securing their third consecutive victory against Villarreal under new manager Alvaro Arbeloa.

The defeat in the Spanish Super Cup against Barcelona, which led to Xabi Alonso’s sacking, and the subsequent Copa del Rey elimination in Albacete under Arbeloa marked the lowest point of the season.

Now, however, the situation has improved and Arbeloa is gaining increasing support within the club and the fanbase.

Alvaro Benito points out the improvements under Arbeloa

Speaking on El Larguero (h/t SPORT), former Real Madrid midfielder turned commentator, Alvaro Benito, touched upon the improvement in performance from the team under Arbeloa.

“I don’t know what the key is, but the other day we saw a match like we hadn’t seen in a long time…,” he said.

Real Madrid showing signs of improvement under Alvaro Arbeloa. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

The main difference, according to Benito, was that the team now showed “a willingness to work without the ball from minute one to minute 90”, and that there had been a clear change in mentality compared to the previous coaching period.

“It had been a long time since I had seen them move from midfield to high pressure’ with the ball in play,” Benito continued, highlighting one of the clearest signs of change.

Another key factor was improved defensive balance when Villarreal broke the first line of pressure. “The defensive recoveries were extremely intense,” he noted.

Faced with such an evident change in attitude, a clear question arises – what has had the greater influence, the departure of Xabi Alonso or the arrival of the new coach. For Benito, there is no single answer.

“There will be a bit of everything. The players are aware that they had to take a step forward because there was no longer any shelter. And because that is the path towards being competitive,” the former footballer explained.