David Jimenez of Real Madrid
Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images
Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa was very pleased with the performance of young right-back David Jimenez in the recent match against Valencia.
Now, according to a report from AS (h/t RM4 Arab), the academy graduate not only justified his selection but also exceeded the expectations of the coaching staff.
The 21-year-old was handed a major opportunity in a high-pressure game.
With experienced options like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dani Carvajal on the bench, Arbeloa trusted the youngster to start at right-back.
It was a questionable decision, but one that appears to have paid off.
Jimenez delivered a confident and mature display, showing composure in defence and energy going forward.
It is said that those inside the club were already aware of his potential, but the Valencia match seems to have confirmed that he is ready to take the next step in his career.
The performance has strengthened the belief that he can become a regular presence in the first-team squad.
Real Madrid already consider the defender to be part of the senior setup, and the long-term plan is beginning to take shape.
David Jimenez of Real Madrid
Real Madrid are impressed with David Jimenez. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
The idea is for Jimenez to partner with Trent Alexander-Arnold next season, with the two players alternating minutes and competing for the right-back role.
Such a structure would allow the youngster to continue developing while still playing an important part in the squad.
Jimenez is currently in his 13th consecutive season at Real Madrid, having joined the club back in 2013 at the Under-8 level.
Reaching the first team is the dream of every academy player, and he is now living that reality.
The full-back is under contract until 2027, and the club is expected to sit down with him soon to discuss his long-term future.
If he remains in the first-team plans, the path forward will be clearly defined. If not, Real Madrid are still keen to protect their investment by strengthening his contract, as they see enormous potential in the player.
Lastly, the Valencia game was seen internally as an important test, and Jimenez passed it with confidence.
As such, his performance may have just secured him a more consistent role in the senior squad in the months ahead.
David Alaba of Real Madrid
Photo by Jan Hetfleisch/Getty Images
For the sheer number of heavyweights in the Real Madrid dressing room, it is seemingly impossible to keep every player happy and satisfied with their prominence.
While Carlo Ancelotti was an expert at said man-management, it is clear that Xabi Alonso, and now Alvaro Arbeloa, are not. In fact, that is the reason for the increased rifts in the dressing room and the disconnect between the manager and players.
Dani Carvajal is one who has shown clear signs of unhappiness under Arbeloa, and MARCA now bring to light that David Alaba is on the same boat.
Indeed, the Spanish outlet confirms that Alaba is vexed at his current situation under Arbeloa and does not understand why he is being ignored in the manager’s plans.
He is unable to comprehend why the coach does not count on him despite the ongoing defensive struggles, especially when he is fit and available to bring his leadership and experience to the field.
David Alaba, Real Madrid player
David Alaba wants answers. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
While Alaba’s case is largely similar to that of Carvajal, it is not as prominent and highlighted as the captain’s for obvious reasons. After all, Alaba is neither a captain nor guaranteed a future at the club beyond this season like Carvajal is.
The player returned from his last injury in mid-December and has been available for every game under the new coach.
Yet, he has featured only in four of the team’s seven games under Arbeloa and has a cumulative of fifty minutes in that duration.
Given how the team have been struggling in defence for both quality and options, that number speaks volumes.
Given his situation, however, it is unlikely that Alaba’s minutes will see any steep improvement in the coming months, given how the manager will count on Antonio Rudiger, Raul Asencio and Dean Huijsen ahead of him.
Further, even Aurelien Tchouameni stands out as an option.