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Football Insider

Arbeloa's Key Picks: Real Madrid's Unwavering Superstars

Real Madrid's boss Alvaro Arbeloa has identified five untouchable superstars who are integral to his team selection in crucial matches. From star forwards to tireless midfielders, here's a deep dive into the core players shaping Arbeloa's strategy.

Arbeloa's Key Picks: Real Madrid's Unwavering Superstars

Real Madrid boss Alvaro Arbeloa has established which of the Real Madrid superstars at his disposal are untouchable and will always be selected in the biggest of Los Blancos’ games. The Spaniard took charge of the club following the dismissal of Xabi Alonso earlier this month and has sought to put his stamp on a fractious squad filled with global names.Arbeloa has insisted that he wants to play as many of his star players together as often as possible, with the new coach identifying five of his players as key figures in the squad. The club’s big name forwards Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior are two of the players who have played every minute of the previous four games, with Arbeloa seeking to balance the two left-sided forwards in his front-line.In midfield, Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde represent mainstays in the side. The Englishman has become one of the best players in the world in the Spanish capital and Arbeloa is determined to make the most of the attacking midfielder’s talents. Similarly, Valverde’s versatility and the engine he offers makes him an integral member of the Blancos line-up.Arbeloa, a former defender himself, is still yet to find a settled backline. Yet, he sees Thibaut Courtois as his undisputed number one in-between the sticks. The Belgian is unlikely to find his spot under jeopardy unless he were to pick up an injury or suffer a dramatic dip in form.Asked whether the five players are considered ‘untouchable’, via France24, Arbeloa replied that he will “always want to have the best players on the pitch.”He continued: “The more minutes they can be available to the team for me, the better."These are players who can shake up a match at any moment. There will be people who aren't Madrid fans who don't want them on the pitch, but I imagine Madrid supporters want their best players always available, always on the field."I think the five players mentioned are among the top ten in the world, and so they have my full trust. And it's not just my trust -- their performance is what's putting them on the pitch."Looking for smarter football bets? Get expert previews, data-driven predictions & winning insights with GOAL Tips on Telegram. Join our growing community now!Arbeloa insisted that the club are still “working to find the consistency we want in our game and at all levels” and added that “I think right now it's neither a time for disappointment nor a time for euphoria.”Arbeloa said that “It's a time for work, nothing more,” as they look to keep pace with Barcelona near the top of La Liga. Madrid are just one point behind their great rivals and will be hoping that they can take the initiative in the title race with a victory over Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingAnton Meana, reporting for El Larguero, revealed that sentiment could be changing within the Real Madrid hierarchy and that there could be an acceptance that shoehorning in the best players may not always work in the modern day.He reported: "It is the first time that, speaking with important people at the club, I perceive the feeling that the plan has failed regarding the generational relief in the centre of the field.”The comments from Arbeloa could give an indication that he is looking to move the side in that direction. The new coach has identified a handful of his best players and the club may look to build around these key men, looking for signings which facilitate strong performances as opposed to plugging those gaps with other stars.There is a lot of pressure on Arbeloa already, with the inexperienced coach expected to deliver an improvement on the performances seen under Alonso. The former Bayer Leverkusen boss was shown the exit door after a mixed run of form saw the Spanish giants trailing Barcelona and cut adrift from the top eight of the Champions League group stage. Following defeat to Benfica, they missed out on automatic progression through to the round of 16.

1

Arbeloa's Untouchables

Real Madrid's new head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has wasted no time in pinpointing the key figures he believes are indispensable to his squad. Among these are forwards Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior, both of whom have showcased their worth by playing significant roles in recent games. Arbeloa's emphasis on balancing their left-sided attacking threat highlights his tactical acumen.

2

Midfield Maestros

In the heart of the pitch, Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde stand out as mainstays in Arbeloa's lineup. Bellingham's rise to prominence as one of the world's best is not lost on the coach, who aims to maximize the Englishman's creativity. Meanwhile, Valverde's versatility and work rate make him an essential component of the Blancos' midfield setup.

3

Defensive Foundation

While the defensive line is still a work in progress for Arbeloa, he has entrusted Thibaut Courtois as his undisputed first-choice goalkeeper. The Belgian's reliability and skill between the posts cement his status as a vital presence, with his position unlikely to be under threat unless unforeseen circumstances arise.

4

The Untouchable Five

When questioned about the untouchable status of these five players, Arbeloa underlined his commitment to fielding the best team possible. He stressed the game-changing abilities of these stars and the trust they have earned through their performances. For him, having these top-tier players in action is crucial for Madrid's success on the field.

5

Striving for Consistency

Arbeloa acknowledged the ongoing pursuit of consistency within the team, emphasizing the need for hard work and focus rather than succumbing to extreme emotions. As Madrid seeks to maintain momentum in La Liga and compete with Barcelona, Arbeloa's pragmatic approach underscores the team's current priorities.

6

Future Direction

Insights suggest a potential shift in Real Madrid's approach, with a growing realization that solely relying on star players may not be sustainable in modern football. Arbeloa's targeted selection of core performers may signal a strategic shift towards building a cohesive unit rather than accommodating individual talents. This adjustment could herald a new era for the club as they navigate competitive challenges on multiple fronts.

7

Challenges Ahead

Arbeloa faces significant pressure to uplift Madrid's performance post-Alonso's departure, with expectations soaring high for improved results. With the title race heating up and European ambitions in sight, the coach's ability to steer the team towards success will be closely scrutinized. Madrid's upcoming clash with Rayo Vallecano presents a vital opportunity to assert their dominance and solidify their position in the league standings.

Published on Jan 31, 2026