In just a few weeks at the helm of Real Madrid, interim manager Alvaro Arbeloa has wasted no time in identifying the core of his squad.
While rotation is often expected during coaching transitions, Arbeloa has made it clear that certain figures are non-negotiable in his starting eleven.
Five players have officially reached “untouchable” status, forming the spine of the team as they navigate this mid-season period.
Thibaut Courtois, Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, and Kylian Mbappe have emerged as the indispensable leaders of Arbeloa’s project.
Aside from his debut match on the bench, these five stars have played every available minute, reflecting the manager’s total reliance on their quality and consistency.
Arbeloa justifies his reliance on Real Madrid’s core stars
When questioned about his rigid selection regarding these five individuals, Arbeloa was direct in his reasoning.
He emphasized that his decisions are based purely on world-class output rather than just seniority.
The manager stated that he prioritizes having his most impactful players on the pitch at all times because of their unique ability to decide a match in a single moment.
Arbeloa further explained that, in his view, these five players rank among the top ten in world football.
He clarified that their constant presence in the lineup isn’t merely a gesture of personal trust, but a direct result of their elite performance levels which leave him with little choice but to start them every game.
