Real Madrid News
Arbeloa considering starting Real Madrid academy gem over 23-year-old star vs Bayern Munich
Real Madrid could be set for a major midfield shake-up ahead of their decisive Champions League clash against Bayern Munich.
According to Mario Cortegana via The Athletic, manager Alvaro Arbeloa is seriously considering a surprise decision – starting academy talent Thiago Pitarch ahead of Eduardo Camavinga.
With Aurelien Tchouameni suspended after accumulating yellow cards, the natural expectation was for Camavinga to step into the holding midfield role.
In fact, he was already deployed there in the recent 1-1 draw against Girona.
Camavinga did not do enough
However, that performance has raised serious doubts internally.
Camavinga struggled to control the game, looked uncomfortable in the deeper role, and faced criticism for his positioning, particularly in the sequence that led to Girona’s equaliser.
As a result, the coaching staff are exploring alternatives and one of those is 18-year-old Pitarch, who could be handed a huge opportunity on one of the biggest stages.
The rest of the midfield structure appears more settled, with Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde and Arda Guler are all expected to start, forming the core of Madrid’s setup.
Meanwhile, Camavinga’s recent form has not helped his case.
Once seen as a reliable option across multiple roles, he is now struggling to convince in a position that demands discipline and control.
His difficulties against Girona have only intensified scrutiny at a crucial stage of the season.
On the other hand, turning to Pitarch would signal a clear statement from the coaching staff, as he has delivered stable performances this season.
Now, with a place in the semi-finals at stake, a lot depends on how Arbeloa sees his squad heading into what would be the most crucial game of his Real Madrid managerial career.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
