Diaz's Unpredictable Form Could Be Madrid's Secret Weapon, Says Arbeloa

The Spanish coach voiced strong support for the Moroccan star Ibrahim Diaz as he returns to Real Madrid, particularly after the penalty he missed in the Africa Cup of Nations final that helped Senegal beat Morocco 1-0.

During the pre-match press conference for Real Madrid's visit to Villarreal, set for Saturday in La Liga, Arbeloa said: 'Diaz has shown his abilities here at Real Madrid, just as he did in the Africa Cup of Nations.'

He added: 'He's a player whose form is hard to predict, and he can offer a lot in different positions... I see him performing well, he has great maturity and a strong mindset... we will need him, and we'll strive to make the most of his talents.'

Regarding Rodrygo Goes's status, the coach stated the player will be in the squad for the Villarreal match, adding: 'We want to see Real Madrid as we did in the last game (6-1 against Monaco), regardless of tactical ideas.'

He continued: 'That ambition, that desire, that passion, that team spirit... these are our values, which we must never abandon, and only then will all football ideas be put into practice.'

Rodrygo's Status

On Rodrygo Goes, Arbeloa confirmed the forward will feature in the squad for the Villarreal game and emphasized keeping the same competitive mindset Madrid showed in recent fixtures.

That spirit—ambition, desire, passion, and collective energy—remains central to Real Madrid's approach, with the coach insisting the squad will stay true to these principles as they pursue success.

Punchlines: Diaz’s form is so unpredictable that even a weather forecast would need a substitute for the forecast. And if Arbeloa drew up a playbook for every twist, the chess club would finally win a game against the coffee machine.—humorously speaking, of course.