Jose Mourinho has inherited more than a first-team squad at Real Madrid. He has also inherited the development of several academy players who were given their chance by Alvaro Arbeloa.
Of the many players the former Los Blancos manager gave a chance to, one player who emerged as his favourite was Thiago Pitarch.
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The Spanish youngster emerged as a trusted option for Arbeloa in midfield, starting some of Real Madrid’s biggest games of the season, including the Champions League.
It was not just Pitarch. According to Mundo Deportivo, Arbeloa’s short spell as interim coach did not bring trophies, but he was praised for trusting young players he knew well from Castilla, including Manuel Angel and Cesar Palacios.
Now Mourinho has to decide what happens next. These players still belong to the reserve structure, but their growth cannot simply pause because the senior squad has become overcrowded.
Thiago Pitarch was Real Madrid’s breakthrough star last season. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
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That makes Thiago Pitarch the most interesting case.
Pitarch was the academy player used most often last season, playing 16 matches with the first team.
The 18-year-old is currently with Spain at the U19 European Championship, and once he returns, Real Madrid must decide whether he stays with Mourinho or goes back to Castilla.
His profile is attractive. He is a combative midfielder, but also has verticality and the ability to break lines. That kind of energy can be useful for a senior squad that is still being reshaped.
The Merengues are also looking for a midfield signing who can bring similar qualities at a higher level. If another midfielder arrives, Pitarch’s first-team pathway becomes much narrower.
What next for Thiago Pitarch? (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
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This is a real test for Mourinho. He has a reputation for working with big personalities and established stars, but Real Madrid also need a coach who can identify which young players are worth protecting.
No one is asking Mourinho to gift minutes. At Real Madrid, that never works. However, Pitarch has already shown that he can be part of the first-team squad.
Pre-season will be decisive. Pitarch will most likely get a chance to shine, and if he can impress Mourinho, there might be sense in keeping him around.
This is not just about one teenager, though. It is about proving that Arbeloa’s courage with the academy does not disappear under a more senior coach.
Pitarch may end up at Castilla, and even that would not be a bad plan. It remains to be seen how Jose handles the player’s future.
