Real Madrid: Even Arbeloa's position is uncertain

Real Madrid is confronting a second straight trophy-less season, as Barcelona leads by 9 points with 7 games left in La Liga. Currently, the team's management is starting to evaluate the existing lineup to ready themselves for the upcoming season.

All these decisions could impact Alvaro Arbeloa. The future of the 43-year-old manager will be determined after the season concludes. Overall, the assessment of the coach's work is positive, considering circumstances such as the team suffering numerous injuries at critical moments.

But in reality, titles are the measure for managers. With an early exit from the Copa del Rey, elimination in the Champions League, and only a miracle in La Liga possibly saving Arbeloa's situation, logic dictates that President Florentino Perez must certainly consider alternative options. However, among them, at least so far, there are no names like the Madridista favorites Jurgen Klopp or Didier Deschamps.

In the current squad, the group of players Vinicius, Mbappe, Bellingham, Valverde, Guler, Tchouameni, Courtois remain the pillars and foundation of the project. However, in the defensive line, aside from center-back Militao and captain Carvajal, most of the remaining names are under review. Among them, four were present last summer.

Regarding value, these are Huijsen (62 million euros from Bournemouth), Carreras (50 million euros from Benfica), and Trent Alexander-Arnold (free transfer, but Real paid 5 million euros for him to play in the Club World Cup, equivalent to 10 million euros according to Liverpool). Yet, the most notable signing is Franco Mastantuno, a gem from River Plate, for whom Real Madrid paid around 63 million euros in transfer fee and tax.

In the most crucial match of the season against Bayern Munich last week, only Trent was in the starting lineup. Mastantuno came on in the 89th minute hoping to create a miracle, while Huijsen and Carreras were nearly absent.

This indicates a season full of instability; even the former Liverpool player couldn't avoid it, despite securing a starting spot last month. Each followed their own path, but none escaped doubts and jeers from the Bernabeu crowd.

Xabi Alonso placed strong trust in the three new defensive recruits and Mastantuono. Moreover, Huijsen capitalized on the absence of Rudiger and Militao in defense to quickly establish his position despite his youth. But he lost his place when the key players returned.

The same happened to Carreras; he lost his spot to Mendy, even though the French defender only played 5 matches this season. Unlike the other three newcomers, Trent only secured a regular position late in the season, after belatedly proving his creative ability and contribution to the gameplay.

Mastantuono's decline is more severe than anyone else's. He was a pillar in Xabi Alonso's lineup when they led the league. However, when Arbeloa took over, he was dropped from the starting lineup and hasn't reached 100% form.

This is especially true after an unnecessary red card in stoppage time during the home loss to Getafe, resulting in a 2-match suspension. The Argentine midfielder is not suited to the right flank, and in the central position, he faces too much competition.

The most positive point is that he is a long-term investment for the club. Likely, the first year will be considered an adaptation period, and with a more dynamic squad, he will gradually reveal more potential to avoid a disastrous failure.