⏩ Valdebebas NextGen: academy talents who could feature under Arbeloa | OneFootball

The debut of Álvaro Arbeloa on the Real Madrid bench marks the beginning of an era where deep knowledge of the youth academy will be the club's greatest asset.

After his time with Real Madrid Castilla, the coach knows better than anyone the potential of the young talents who can now make the definitive leap to the first team.

Gonzalo García, the flagship for the youth academy

The star youth player is undoubtedly Gonzalo García, who has been the great revelation in recent matches. Although he did not directly overlap with Arbeloa in his previous stint, his rise to the first team has been meteoric thanks to a spectacular performance.

His goal-scoring ability and instinct in the area have provided vital offensive solutions, confirming that the youth academy has plenty of goals for the elite.

Manuel Ángel and Palacios, first call-up with the first team

In yesterday's session, figures like Manuel Ángel and César Palacios already trained under Arbeloa's orders.

Palacios' return is especially significant, as he has managed to overcome a tough cruciate ligament injury suffered last season. His resilience allows him to offer the necessary freshness in a midfield that requires full guarantee rotations.

Joan Martínez as a solution to the defensive crisis?

The defense, weakened by absences, finds in Joan Martínez a solution for the present and future. Like Palacios, Martínez has made an exemplary recovery after also tearing his cruciate last season. His maturity and defensive strength are qualities that Arbeloa values to provide solidity to the Madrid defense, showing that the young center-back is ready for the elite.

Alongside him, names like Victor Valdepeñas and David Jiménez reinforce a key area of the tactical scheme. In fact, 'Valde' has already made his debut with the first team under Xabi Alonso's orders and left a good impression.

Playmaking... and the (so-called) best '6' in Spain

In the midfield, the coach has differential pieces like Thiago Pitarch and Jorge Cestero. Of the latter, Arbeloa himself has said he is the best '6' in Spain for his reading ability and balance.

These profiles are vital to solving the lack of fluidity in the game, providing that strategic vision that Arbeloa has honed over the years at Valdebebas.

The role of these youth players will not be merely symbolic. Arbeloa's confidence in players he has personally shaped ensures a smooth and competitive integration.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.