Official: Real Madrid duo nominated for La Liga awards for February | OneFootball

After a dodgy start to his stint as Real Madrid manager, Alvaro Arbeloa has been able to steady to ship to some extent in recent weeks.

So much so that, the Merengues have now overtaken FC Barcelona in the La Liga standings and usurped the top spot from them.

Given their performances, Arbeloa has now been nominated for the La Liga Coach of the Month for February.

Indeed, the former defender turned manager is now in the running for his first individual prize in La Liga, having led the team to three wins in three games in the Spanish top flight against Rayo Vallecano (2-1), Valencia (2-0), and Real Sociedad (4-1).

Arbeloa finds himself up against Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini and Getafe boss Jose Bordalas for the La Liga Coach of the Month prize for February.

Meanwhile, one of Arbeloa’s most trusted lieutenants, Federico Valverde, has been nominated for the La Liga Player of the Month for February.

The Uruguayan international has been a permanent fixture in the team, be it as a makeshift right-back, in midfield, or on the right flank, and has been key to Los Blancos’ recent upswing in performances.

Captaining the team in all three league games this month, Valverde also scored a goal in the win against Real Sociedad. His contributions have earned him a chance to win the La Liga Player of the Month for February.

The 27-year-old versatile star will be up against Luis Milla of Getafe, Ez Abde of Real Betis, Georges Mikautadze of Villarreal, and Thomas Lemar of Girona.