Madrid's Right-Back Dilemma: Arbeloa's System Opens Space for a Breakout Teen

Arbeloa's Real Madrid era reshapes the right-back role

Since Álvaro Arbeloa assumed the coaching duties in January, Real Madrid’s young right-back David Jimenez has shown only modest changes, according to a report from The Athletic.

Sources close to the player say the new coach’s approach fits him better than the previous regime under Xabi Alonso, which has drawn favorable notes from those around him.

Arbeloa is said to prefer deploying full-backs in deeper positions during buildup from the back, zones where Jimenez excels and which have helped him settle more comfortably within the system.

This tactical harmony has allowed the 21-year-old Spaniard to highlight his technical abilities as the coach assigns roles aligned with his on-field traits.

The right-back spot at Real Madrid remains uncertain, amid injuries to Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dani Carvajal, potentially giving Jimenez a larger role in forthcoming matches.

Punchline 1: Real Madrid's right-back drama is so tangled even the GPS starts shouting, Recalculate, you’re looking at an overlap you don’t want to miss.

Punchline 2: And Jimenez? He’s the kid who brought a compass to a compass-less field—he’ll probably find the corner anyway.