Why Los Blancos Have 'Complete Faith' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a teenage creates club a historic moment in a crucial European match against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.

During his first start in the tournament - and fifth game for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 last-16 first-leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his Real debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek return to confirm a quarter-final berth.

At 18 years old, Pitarch became the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's record by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise Through The Academy

The midfielder is the latest to emerge from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most promising protegees.

He joined Real from Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

He progressed to the B team and it was during a friendly match in which they faced the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who took over from the previous coach in the new year.

Reports would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," noting Pitarch stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, personality and drive he added to the team.

'His Best Attribute Is His Personality'

In the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso called up Pitarch to practice with the first team and awarded him playing time during pre-season.

However, it was the change in manager that became the turning point in his development as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against the Portuguese side that led to the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the first day I began playing the game, every day you head to training and each day you play a match," stated the player following his debut.

"I've just fulfilled my ambition with the greatest club in the world and in the best competition."

Given a first start in La Liga against Getafe - where he spent four years after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the following four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening.

Pitarch has taken it with displays that have defied his age and experience.

"He is a very quick footballer, and you can see his capabilities," said the coach. "He is extremely energetic, with great stamina, work-rate and movement."

The player's mindset has also impressed his coach.

"His greatest quality is his personality," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the ball, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I understand people are surprised to see him make his debut in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had complete confidence in him to do his normal game.

"Thiago will continue to get opportunities with the main squad. It is delightful to have a talent like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up fully immersed in the local game, progressing through youth setups before joining the club's renowned La Fabrica system.

He holds both Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving him the option to represent either country at the highest level.

Under international regulations, footballers may appear for different countries at junior level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a competitive full international.

He has played for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja reached the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has yet to commit to any senior national team, who are monitoring his rise with interest.

Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice yet. Things are great with Spain, but I'll make a decision in the near future."

His situation mirrors that of other dual nationality talents such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While teenage Lamine chose Spain, Brahim decided to represent Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

At present, his attention is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and rewarding his manager's belief.

He played over an hour in the two-one win at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 overall triumph and a last-eight tie with the German champions.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to aid the club pursue future success.

Following his impressive impact so far on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is tipped to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa handles me the identical way. We deal with it very normally. I try not to think about it too much - I have to earn my minutes on the pitch," he said after the success at Etihad Stadium.