Real Madrid prodigy emerging as the biggest highlight of the club’s pre-season | OneFootball

Thiago Pitarch stole the spotlight in Real Madrid’s recent pre-season clash with Leganes, delivering a commanding midfield performance and capping it off with a goal.

The Castilla midfielder not only dictated the tempo but also showed the maturity and composure of a seasoned player, adapting to Xabi Alonso’s high-intensity pressing game.

Originally drafted in to cover for injured captain Manuel Angel, Pitarch grabbed the opportunity with both hands.

A stellar pre-season for Pitarch so far

Across the 180 minutes he’s played in pre-season, including outings against Marbella and Racing de Ferrol, his ability to break lines, recover possession, and link play between defence and attack has stood out.

Against Leganes, his spatial awareness and decision-making allowed him to consistently find space, while his goal underlined his willingness to join the attack at the right moments.

As reported by Diario AS, Xabi Alonso is understood to have been impressed with the 18-year-old’s balance of technical quality and work rate.

Arbeloa has played a key role in Thiago Pitarch’s progression. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

In a system that demands constant movement and aggression without the ball, Pitarch’s agility, quick changes of direction, and composure under pressure have made him one of the most eye-catching players in Madrid’s summer preparations.

What’s next for Pitarch?

What comes next for Pitarch will depend on how Madrid structure their squads for the new season.

While the original plan was for him to return to the U19s, his pre-season form could convince the coaching staff to keep him training regularly with Castilla.

With two weeks left before the season kicks off, Pitarch has made a strong case to be more than just a temporary call-up. If he continues to perform at this level, he could find himself firmly in Alonso’s plans