Arbeloa Emphasizes Importance of Key Players in Real Madrid’s Strategy

Alvaro Arbeloa has made it clear that he intends to field his star players together as frequently as possible. The new coach has identified five pivotal figures in the squad, with marquee forwards Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior having played every minute in the last four matches. Arbeloa is working to balance the two left-sided players within his attacking formation.

In midfield, Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde are crucial components of the team. Bellingham has emerged as one of the top talents globally while plying his trade in Madrid, and Arbeloa is keen to leverage the attacking abilities of this young midfielder. Similarly, Valverde’s adaptability and relentless energy make him an essential part of the Blancos’ lineup.

Despite his background as a former defender, Arbeloa has yet to establish a consistent backline. However, he considers Thibaut Courtois as his unequivocal first-choice goalkeeper. The Belgian’s position is secure unless he encounters an injury or a significant downturn in performance.

When asked if these five players could be deemed ‘untouchable,’ Arbeloa responded that he always aims to have the best players on the pitch. He stated, “The more minutes they can be available to the team for me, the better. These are players who can alter the course of a match at any moment. While some may not want them on the field, I believe Madrid supporters desire to see their best players consistently available. I trust these five players completely, and their performances validate their time on the pitch.”

Arbeloa acknowledged that the club continues to strive for the consistency they seek in their game, emphasizing that this is neither a moment for disappointment nor for euphoria. “It’s a time for work, nothing more,” he remarked, as the team aims to keep pace with Barcelona at the apex of La Liga. Currently, Madrid trails their rivals by just one point and hopes to seize the initiative in the title race with a victory over Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.

Furthermore, Anton Meana, reporting for El Larguero, noted that sentiments within the Real Madrid hierarchy may be shifting. There appears to be a growing acceptance that simply incorporating the best players may not always yield the desired results in today’s football landscape. Meana reported, “For the first time, conversations with key figures at the club suggest a recognition that the strategy for generational transition in the midfield has not been effective.”

Arbeloa’s recent comments indicate a potential shift in focus, as he has pinpointed a select few key players around whom the team could be structured. The club may aim to make signings that enhance performance rather than merely adding star power.

With heightened expectations, Arbeloa faces considerable pressure to improve upon the performances witnessed under former coach Alonso, who was dismissed following a lackluster run that left the team trailing Barcelona and on the brink of elimination from the Champions League after a disappointing loss to Benfica.