Why Los Blancos Have 'Complete Trust' in Youngster Pitarch

When an teenage creates Real Madrid history in a key European match against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.

During his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time Champions League winners claimed a three-nil round of 16 first leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his club debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped Los Blancos overcome the English champions in the midweek second leg to confirm a quarter-final place.

Aged 18 years old, the midfielder was the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing star Vini Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise From The Academy

The midfielder is the most recent to come through from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most exciting young players.

He joined Madrid from CD Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

He progressed to the reserve side and it was in a friendly match in which they played against the senior squad, then coached by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who took over from the previous coach in January.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," noting Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, personality and determination he brought to the side.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality'

In the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the senior squad and gave him playing time during the warm-up matches.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the defining moment in his career as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that set up the meeting with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the very first time I began playing football, every day you head to training and every day you have a game," said the player following his debut.

"I've just fulfilled my dream with the greatest club in the planet and in the top tournament."

Given a first start in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he spent four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening.

The teenager has seized it with performances that have defied his age and experience.

"He's a extremely fast player, and you can observe his capabilities," said the coach. "He is extremely dynamic, with great stamina, work-rate and movement."

The player's mindset has also impressed his coach.

"His standout trait is his personality," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the possession, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand people are surprised to watch him make his debut in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had total confidence in him to perform his normal game.

"Thiago will continue to get opportunities with the first team. It is delightful to coach a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in the local game, progressing through local academies before entering the club's renowned La Fabrica system.

He holds both Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, offering him the choice to play for both nations at senior international level.

Under international regulations, footballers may represent multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only binding once they play in a competitive full international.

Pitarch has played for Spain at underage levels, turning out for both the under-19 and U20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to any senior national team, who are monitoring his rise with keen attention.

In a recent interview, the player said: "I haven't made my final decision so far. Things are great with Spain, but I'll make a decision in the near future."

This scenario echoes that of other dual nationality players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. While teenage Lamine chose Spain, Brahim opted to play for the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

For now, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Real side and repaying his manager's belief.

He played over an hour in the 2-1 win at City, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a quarter-final matchup with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by another academy player in Manuel Angel underscored the coach's confidence in the next generation to aid the club pursue trophies to come.

Following his notable contributions to date on the Champions League, Pitarch is tipped to play a key role in that.

"The manager handles me the identical way. We deal with it very naturally. I attempt not to overanalyze it excessively - I must deserve my playing time on the field," he said following the win at Etihad Stadium.