Aurelien Tchouameni’s injury could hardly have come at a worse time for Real Madrid.
Since Xabi Alonso’s arrival, the French midfielder has been the team’s heartbeat in the middle of the park, dictating tempo, breaking lines, and shielding the defence with remarkable maturity.
Yet, his absence now forces Alonso to rethink his options, and rather than searching externally, the club may already have the answer within its own walls.
According to an update from AS, Real Madrid are seriously considering giving an opportunity to two academy prospects from Castilla, namely, Thiago Pitarch and Jorge Cestero.
Both players have earned glowing internal reviews this season, with their intelligence on the ball and tactical understanding standing out even among senior professionals.
Pitarch just ahead in the order
Pitarch, just 18, has been on the rise for months. After representing Spain at the Under-20 World Cup, he returned to the club and seamlessly reintegrated into the Castilla setup.
Thiago Pitarch, Real Madrid player
Thiago Pitarch could finally get his big break. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Alonso was reportedly impressed from the moment he saw him in training, reportedly admitting privately that the youngster’s composure and range of passing are beyond his years.
Madrid quickly moved to secure his future with a new deal, and he has already made five senior matchday squads, a sign of how highly he is regarded.
What about Cestero?
Alongside him, Jorge Cestero, 19, has been equally eye-catching. Known for his positional discipline and crisp distribution, he has become a key part of Alvaro Arbeloa’s Castilla midfield.
Arbeloa, who maintains a close working relationship with Alonso, recently praised his young protege in emphatic fashion: “Right now, he’s the best number six in Spain.”
Alonso’s trust in youth is well-documented, and both Pitarch and Cestero appear to fit the tactical mould he desires.
With Tchouameni’s recovery expected to take three weeks, the Real Madrid manager might soon turn to his academy to maintain rhythm and balance in midfield.