Arbeloa's back-to-basics approach pays dividends for Madrid at Mestalla
The interim boss has found stability by returning players to their natural positions, with Madrid grinding out results to stay in the title race despite key absences.
Álvaro Arbeloa has brought some much-needed common sense to Real Madrid’s tactical approach, with Sunday’s win at Mestalla showcasing a return to positional discipline that kept Los Blancos firmly in Barcelona’s rearview mirror.
Back to basics
The temporary gaffer’s masterstroke at Valencia was refreshingly simple: put players in their proper positions. After weeks of square pegs in round holes under Xabi Alonso’s stewardship, Arbeloa’s pragmatic shuffle has steadied the ship:
- Fede Valverde returned to midfield rather than being shoehorned at right-back
- David Jiménez slotted in as an actual right-back (imagine that!)
- Camavinga abandoned his left-back experiment to bolster central midfield
- Güler enjoyed more creative freedom with fewer defensive responsibilities
- Mbappé shifted back to his roots on the left wing in Vinicius’ absence
- Gonzalo García returned to his natural number 9 role
The result? A more balanced Madrid that defended properly as a unit, with Thibaut Courtois finally enjoying a relatively quiet afternoon between the sticks.
Seven on the spin
Despite missing the creative spark of Bellingham, Vinicius and Rodrygo, Madrid have now strung together seven consecutive league victories - three under Xabi and four under Arbeloa. That’s proper title-chasing form, keeping them right on Barcelona’s coat-tails.
The return of these attacking stars shouldn’t prompt Arbeloa to abandon what’s working. Valverde has proven his worth in midfield, especially with Alexander-Arnold available at right-back. Meanwhile, Dani Carvajal is pushing for minutes after his spell on the sidelines.
Time to consolidate
With nearly a full week to prepare for Saturday’s clash with Real Sociedad at the Bernabéu, Arbeloa has a golden opportunity to further embed his tactical approach. The squad returns to training tomorrow after today’s rest day.
The interim boss has shown he’s not afraid to reposition big-name players like Camavinga and Valverde, but Valencia proved that sometimes the simplest solution - playing footballers in their natural positions - is the most effective. Who’d have Adam and Eve’d it?