Why Los Blancos Possess 'Total Trust' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old creates Real Madrid history in a crucial Champions League tie against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and attention.

In only his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the 15-time Champions League winners claimed a three-nil last-16 first-leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his club debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek second leg to confirm a last eight berth.

Aged 18 years old, the midfielder became the club's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, beating Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica

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

He joined Real from Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe academies, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was during a pre-season game in which they played against the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who took over from Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Reports would later label the moment as "an instant connection," noting he excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, personality and drive he added to the team.

'His Best Attribute Is His Character'

During the pre-season of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso called up the youngster to train with the first team and gave him minutes during pre-season.

However, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his career as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against the Portuguese side that led to the meeting with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the very first time I began playing football, every day you go to train and every day you play a match," said Pitarch after his debut.

"I've just achieved my ambition with the best team in the planet and in the best competition."

Handed a starting debut in the Spanish league against his former club - where he was for four years after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his place for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening.

The teenager has taken it with performances that have defied his age and inexperience.

"He is a extremely fast footballer, and you can see his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He is incredibly dynamic, with excellent stamina, work-rate and mobility."

The player's mindset has also stood out to his coach.

"His standout trait is his character," added he. "He constantly demands the ball, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

"I understand fans might be astonished to watch him make his debut in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had complete trust in him to perform his normal game.

"Thiago will continue to get chances with the first team. It's a pleasure to have a talent like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in Spanish football, moving through local academies before joining Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system.

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

Under international regulations, footballers may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being locked in, with the final decision only binding once they appear in a competitive senior international match.

He has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the last eight.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to any full national side, who are monitoring his progress with keen attention.

Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice so far. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision in the near future."

This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national talents such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Yamal chose Spain, Diaz decided to represent Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

For now, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He featured for over an hour in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which completed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to aid the club chase future success.

After his impressive impact so far on the Champions League, the midfielder is expected to be a central figure in that.

"The manager handles me the same. We handle it very normally. I try not to overanalyze it too much - I have to deserve my minutes on the pitch," he commented after the success at Etihad Stadium.