Despite the ongoing debate regarding the team's tactical balance, Real Madrid head coach Álvaro Arbeloa has insisted that he will continue to rely on the club's biggest stars and promised to give them as many minutes as possible.
Arbeloa, who took over from Xabi Alonso earlier this month, faced the media ahead of a crucial La Liga clash against Rayo Vallecano on Saturday, January 31, 2026.
His comments came after a shock 4-2 defeat to Benfica on Wednesday, which resulted in Los Blancos slipping out of the Champions League play-off round.
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The defeat in Lisbon once again highlighted balance concerns when Madrid's top attackers are together.
Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior have started each of Arbeloa's last four matches, along with goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, while midfielder Federico Valverde has started all four matches, having been substituted only once.
Asked if those players were effectively “untouchable”, Arbeloa spoke bluntly.
“I always want to have the best players on the field and the more minutes they have available for the team, the better,” he said in Saturday's press conference. “These are players who can change the match at any time.
“There will be people who are not Madrid fans who don't want to see him on the field, but I think Madrid supporters want their best players to be always available, always on the field.”
The former Madrid defender went on to describe the core group as one of the best in world football.
“I think the five players mentioned are among the top ten in the world, and I have full confidence in them. And it's not just my confidence, it's their performances that put them on the field.”
Real Madrid have now turned their attention back to La Liga, where they host Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, looking to bounce back from the Benfica shock defeat and put pressure on league leaders Barcelona.
Mbappé recently expressed frustration at Madrid's inconsistency, but Arbeloa played down the criticism, insisting the team is a work in progress.
“We are working to get the consistency we want in our game and at all levels,” he said.
