Thiago Pitarch of Real Madrid
Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images
Thiago Pitarch was one of Real Madrid’s standout players last season and was a revelation from the academy.
Given minutes under Alvaro Arbeloa, the player made a name for himself and earner s reputation as the club’s highest-rated homegrown midfield talent, and was even a regular starter at one point.
There was, thus, hope that his prominence would continue under Jose Mourinho. An untimely injury in preseason, however, derailed his plans and sidelined him for a crucial period.
Set to play for the subsidiary team
Now, as reported by AS (via Bernabeu Digital) in a recent update, Pitarch is close to making his first on-field appearance of the season this weekend.
However, it will not be in Real Madrid’s high-octane clash against Atletico Madrid.
Thiago Pitarch, Real Madrid player
Finding his way back into the team will not be easy. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Real Madrid are planning for Pitarch to feature with the Juvenil A side in the Intercontinental U-20s this weekend in what will be his first appearance of the new season.
As far as his role in the first-team dynamics goes, Jose Mourinho has Pitarch in his plans, albeit not as a starter but as a useful rotational option.
As the season grows deeper and injuries begin to kick in, Pitarch may see a larger role on the side. Until then, playing for the Castilla and Juvenil A will be crucial to earn back his match fitness.
A new direct threat
Last season, Pitarch’s status as the club’s highest-rated midfield prospect was almost unchallenged, but that no longer remains the same.
Sergio Martinez of Real Madrid
Sergio Martinez as a direct competitor. (Photo courtesy: Real Madrid official website)
Los Blancos brought in Sergio Martinez as a new signing from Racing Santander this summer, and he has been impressing in training.
Despite being registered with the subsidiary side, the player is said to be slowly working his way into the first-team dynamics, serving as a direct threat to Pitarch.
In fact, the manager is even open to handing him a first-team debut at the earliest.
A fascinating battle thus awaits us between the two Real Madrid midfield proteges.
One had the upper hand last, while one has won the manager’s admiration much more recently, and it remains to be seen which of the two players has what it takes to make it big at the club.
Former Real Madrid goalkeeper defends Thibaut Courtois amid recent criticism: ‘Earning us a lot of points’
Kiko Casilla, former Real Madrid player
Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images
Thibaut Courtois continues to have one of the most important jobs in Real Madrid’s squad, and former goalkeeper Kiko Casilla believes the Belgian is giving the club exactly what it needs: points and composure.
Courtois has faced questions at various stages of his career about whether age could eventually affect his level, but Casilla sees little reason for concern.
Speaking ahead of Real Madrid’s trip to Elche, the former Madrid goalkeeper made it clear that Courtois’ performances should speak for themselves.
“No one can criticise how he’s performing,” Casilla stated, as per MARCA.
Courtois still providing Madrid with security
Casilla’s assessment goes beyond saves and statistics, as he believes Courtois’ biggest contribution is the calm he gives the team behind him.
Thibaut Courtois, Real Madrid player
Kiko Casilla has come out in support of Thibaut Courtois. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
“He’s someone who’s earning us a lot of points and bringing a real sense of calm.”
That sense of security could be especially valuable during a season in which Real Madrid are expected to compete for major honours on several fronts.
Casilla also pointed to Andriy Lunin, suggesting the club can rely on both of its senior goalkeepers.
Casilla knows the Madrid pressure first-hand
Casilla experienced that reality himself and says the expectations begin long before a player establishes himself at the Santiago Bernabéu.
“Since I was 14, I’ve been lucky enough to know what that entails,” he explained.
Kiko Casilla, former Real Madrid player
Kiko Casilla has played for both Real Madrid and Elche. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
The pressure only intensifies once a player becomes part of the senior side, particularly in front of the home crowd.
“When you pull on the first-team shirt, and particularly at the Bernabeu, it’s very demanding – you really feel it.”
That environment can make even positive results feel uncomfortable. Casilla recalled occasions when Madrid could be two goals ahead and still hear the familiar murmurs from the stands.
For Casilla, learning to live with that atmosphere is part of being a Madrid player rather than something that should be viewed as an unusual burden.
“You have to know how to handle it, and I think any player at Real Madrid is aware of those expectations and is used to them,” he concluded.