Real Madrid academy gem keen on fighting for a starting role under Mourinho | OneFootball

Thiago Pitarch’s rise to prominence was perhaps one of the bright spots in an otherwise disappointing campaign for Real Madrid last season.

The youngster, stemming from La Fabrica, emerged as a first-team option for Alvaro Arbeloa at the age of just 18. He even featured in ten La Liga matches.

But things are changing and new coach Jose Mourinho will demand much more from Pitarch if he is to become a starter. And it seems the player is ready for the challenge.

Pitarch’s goal for next season

According to AS, Pitarch returns to Real Madrid on Monday with one clear objective in mind: to fight for a starting spot under Mourinho.

Pitarch is ready to fight for his role. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

The midfielder reported back just nine days after helping Spain win the Under-19 European Championship.

Rather than dwelling on that success, Pitarch is eager to make the most of pre-season and stake his claim in the senior side.

It is evident that Pitarch is not viewed as just another youngster making up the numbers, having already established himself as an important first-team figure last season.

Mourinho impressed by early reports

Encouragingly for Pitarch, Mourinho is understood to have received very positive feedback about the teenager, regarding him as a highly talented player with a bright future.

The Portuguese coach wants to keep him close during pre-season to confirm those impressions before making an assessment.

Will Pitarch become a big player under Mourinho? (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Pitarch arrives in fine form too, having been named in the team of the tournament at the Euros, where he also finished as top assist provider with five, showcasing his quality as a number 10.

The challenge, though, is significant. While Dani Ceballos has departed and is now on the radar of Atletico Madrid, the arrival of Bernardo Silva adds further competition in midfield.

It is a scenario both Pitarch and Mourinho are anticipating. For a player who has navigated a winding path through Atletico, Getafe and Leganes, he certainly knows how to fight for his place.

Having already won over Arbeloa and Xabi Alonso, Pitarch now begins the task of convincing Mourinho.