MU Shorts
Did Arbeloa’s decisions cost Real Madrid players a World Cup chance?
Alvaro Arbeloa’s time in charge of Real Madrid was supposed to bring stability to a squad that had already experienced months of uncertainty.
Instead, there is a growing belief that his decisions created new divisions within the dressing room and negatively impacted several Spanish players.
The former defender took over in January following Xabi Alonso’s departure and was tasked with restoring balance to a team struggling to find consistency.
While there were hopes that his arrival would unite the squad, many feel the opposite happened during his 28-match spell on the bench.
Much of the criticism centres on the treatment of Spanish players, particularly academy graduates who were expected to play a more prominent role under a coach with deep ties to the club.
Questions over Arbeloa’s handling of Spanish players
Throughout the season, everyone questioned why several Spanish members of the squad struggled to establish themselves despite opportunities seemingly being available.
Of the lot, Dani Carvajal became one of the most discussed cases. Many expected the veteran defender to play a larger role, particularly given his experience and leadership within the squad.
Instead, his appearances became less frequent than anticipated, leading to speculation that sporting decisions were being influenced by broader club priorities.
The situation has also fuelled concerns about his international future. With limited playing time affecting his visibility, he was ultimately left out of the World Cup squad like the rest of the Spaniards in the team.
There is more to the story
Dean Huijsen also experienced an inconsistent campaign. Injuries undoubtedly played a role, but questions remained over the level of trust he received during important moments of the season.
Although his performances improved towards the end of the campaign, doubts persisted regarding his standing within the squad hierarchy.
Perhaps the most controversial case involved Gonzalo. Despite injuries affecting attacking options at various stages of the season, the academy striker struggled to earn meaningful opportunities.
Even when circumstances appeared to favour his inclusion, Arbeloa regularly turned to alternative solutions.
For many, that decision became symbolic of a bigger issue regarding opportunities for homegrown players.
Why the debate?
Right now, many Real Madrid supporters believe Spanish players have gradually lost influence within the squad compared to internationally recruited stars.
Whether fair or not, there is a perception that academy graduates and domestic talents face a tougher path when competing for opportunities.
In fact, the cases of Fran Garcia, Dani Ceballos and Raul Asencio have further strengthened that argument.
All three experienced fluctuating roles throughout the campaign, often finding themselves in and out of the team without establishing long-term continuity.
While not everyone agrees with the criticism directed at Arbeloa, it is indeed a subject that needs serious thinking as to why Real Madrid will have no representation at the World Cup this summer.
Real Madrid will be eager to move to the top of the La Liga standings as they get set to take on Real Betis in a Matchday 4 fixture in La Liga tonight.
Under new manager Jose Mourinho, the Merengues have made a strong start to the season, winning three in three, with their latest match ending in a 4-0 triumph against Malaga at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The fact that superstars like Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, and Vinicius Jr. have made strong starts to the season, while new signings Marc Cucurella and Ibrahima Konate have also made positive impact bodes well for Los Blancos.
The aim will be to secure their fourth victory in a row and continue building the momentum especially with the UEFA Champions League opener against Inter Milan coming up next.
Going into the game, though, Real Madrid will once again be without as many as seven players as Aurelien Tchouameni, Endrick, Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy, Rodrygo Goes, Thiago Pitarch, and Raul Asencio remain unavailable.
New teenage signing Sergio Martinez has been named in the squad and could be in line for his debut at Estadio de La Cartuja tonight.
Having made some rotations to the starting XI last time out against Malaga, here’s how Mourinho could set his Real Madrid team up tonight.
Defence
Thibaut Courtois is a confirmed starter in goal for Real Madrid and will be looking for his second clean sheet of the new campaign.
As for the defensive line, there is likely to be only one change with Ibrahima Konate coming back into the team in place of Antonio Rudiger, who made his first start of the season vs Malaga.
Dean Huijsen has been a constant fixture at the heart of the defence so far and that is unlikely to change.
At right-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold appears set to retain his place after an impressive display in his first start of the season last weekend. It means, new signing Denzel Dumfries will remain on the bench. Marc Cucurella, meanwhile, should start again on the left side.
Midfield
Bernardo Silva was one of the players that Mourinho rotated against Malaga, and is expected to return to the lineup tonight against Real Betis.
The Portuguese international has done fairly well in his new role as part of the double pivot alongside Federico Valverde, who will retain his place in the team.
It would mean Eduardo Camavinga misses out after having a decent game on his first start of the season last weekend.
Jude Bellingham has been in spectacular form since the start of the season, already racking up two goals and two assists from three games. Back in his preferred role as an attacking midfielder, he will start there again tonight.
Attack
Moving into the attacking unit, Mourinho is expected to make one key change as Arda Guler should replace Brahim Diaz on the right flank after scoring Real Madrid’s fourth goal against Malaga coming on as a substitute.
What it also means is that blockbuster summer signing Yan Diomande will have to wait for his first start for Real Madrid.
Kylian Mbappe has already scored four goals in three games, making a blistering start to the season and will be aiming to build on that as he chases a hat-trick of Pichichi Trophies.
Rounding off the attacking trident will be superstar Vinicius Jr., who will also be hoping to get among the goals.
