Arbeloa Era begins with 4-3-3 system built around 'Spain's best number 6'
Álvaro Arbeloa kicks off his Real Madrid tenure by promoting two academy talents, including Jorge Cestero - the 19-year-old midfield pivot he rates as the best in Spain.
From coaching Madrid’s U14s to taking the reins of the first team in just six years - Álvaro Arbeloa’s meteoric rise through the coaching ranks is nothing short of remarkable. And he’s wasted no time putting his stamp on things.
Academy faith from day one
Arbeloa’s first training session has already revealed plenty about his tactical approach, with the gaffer immediately promoting two Castilla talents he trusts implicitly. The formation looks to be a 4-3-3 with an emphasis on balance, building from the back, and controlling the tempo through midfield.
Federico Valverde returns to his natural position - a sight that’ll have Madrid fans proper chuffed - but it’s the inclusion of Jorge Cestero as the deep-lying pivot that speaks volumes about Arbeloa’s vision.
The Cestero factor
At just 19, Cestero has been absolutely running the show for Castilla this season:
- Most minutes played in Arbeloa’s Castilla side (1,379 across 16 matches)
- Already made his first-team debut under Xabi Alonso in December’s Copa del Rey match
- Recently renewed contract with a stonking €150 million release clause
What makes Cestero special is his rare combination of physical presence, tactical intelligence, vision, and composure in dictating play from deep. Arbeloa’s assessment couldn’t be clearer, having previously declared him “the best number 6 in Spain right now” - high praise that Xabi Alonso echoed when calling him “a beautiful player project.”
Another academy gem
The other Castilla graduate getting the nod is 21-year-old right-back David Jiménez, who’s been training regularly with the first team during Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dani Carvajal’s absences.
The technically gifted defender has accumulated 1,256 minutes this season, including Copa del Rey action, and has drawn comparisons to Carvajal for his personality and constant attacking threat down the flank. He’s so comfortable on the ball that he even takes free-kicks for Castilla - not your average full-back!
Arbeloa’s commitment to the academy pathway seems crystal clear from day one. The former defender has come up the hard way himself, and now he’s giving the next generation their chance to shine on the biggest stage. Talk about knowing your onions!