The growing influence of the academy was discussed on Cadena SER’s Carrusel Deportivo radio program, where analyst Bruno Alemany argued the current squad context makes the youngsters particularly valuable.
“In Arbeloa’s current moment with Real Madrid, the academy players fit perfectly. This Madrid no longer has Toni Kroos, Luka Modrić or Cristiano Ronaldo. Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior are there, but the squad has less quality than it did four years ago. In this Madrid you have to run a lot, and the ones
who always run a lot are the academy players.”
However, not everyone is convinced the commitment will last once injured players return. Julio Pulido questioned whether the enthusiasm around the academy might be temporary.
“For me this commitment to the academy is a bit inflated. Right now it sounds great to talk about the academy players, but I want to see what happens when all the injured players return and when Arda Güler is available as well.”
That is the lingering question for fans and media alike. When all players are fit and healthy – does Arbeloa revert back to the untouchables, refusing to substitute the likes of Vini, Mbappe, and Bellingham?
