Alvaro Arbeloa has made a bold statement in his inaugural squad selection as Real Madrid manager, choosing to leave stars Jude Bellingham and Thibaut Courtois at home for the Copa del Rey clash against Albacete. This decisive move signals Arbeloa’s commitment to youth, as he has called up five promising academy players to fill the gaps in a squad beset by injuries.
The new era under Arbeloa officially began with the exclusion of key players, which has sparked considerable discussion among fans and analysts alike. The decision to rest Bellingham, Courtois, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Alvaro Carreras underscores Arbeloa’s focus on long-term squad health as the team grapples with an extensive injury list that also includes Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo, Antonio Rudiger, Eder Militao, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Ferland Mendy. The challenge ahead is considerable, but Arbeloa remains optimistic about gradually bringing back several injured stars, including Rudiger and Rodrygo.
In a notable shift in philosophy, Arbeloa has placed his trust in La Fabrica, Real Madrid’s famed youth academy. The inclusion of Joan Martinez, David Jimenez, Manuel Angel, Cesar Palacios, and Jorge Cestero presents them with a golden opportunity to showcase their talents on a significant stage. These selections reflect Arbeloa’s belief in the quality of the academy and hint at a more open pathway for young talent in the first team during his tenure.
As Andriy Lunin steps in as the starting goalkeeper due to Courtois’s absence, the rest of the defensive lineup poses a tactical dilemma for Arbeloa. He has brought along experienced defenders like David Alaba, Raul Asencio, and Dean Huijsen, along with full-backs Dani Carvajal and Fran Garcia. The manager must decide whether to rely on this seasoned core or to introduce academy players to the backline.
In midfield, Arbeloa’s options remain constrained, but he has managed to balance first-team players with those from the B-team. However, the attack seems particularly thin, with only three recognized forwards available: Vinicius Junior, Gonzalo, and Franco Mastantuono. Vinicius will carry significant responsibility as he guides his younger teammates through the match.
The upcoming fixture against Albacete marks the first test for Arbeloa as manager, with a strong performance needed to maintain a positive trajectory in the Copa del Rey. As he embarks on this new journey, the prospect of seeing young talent thrive under his leadership offers fans hope for an exciting future at Real Madrid.