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AIPROPX ReportYahoo Sports · 35m ago
Mourinho has big plans for last season’s breakout star as Real Madrid await injury return
Mourinho has big plans for last season’s breakout star as Real Madrid await injury return
Thiago Pitarch could be set for a significant opportunity under Jose Mourinho, as the Real Madrid manager is keen to take a closer look at the academy graduate once he completes his recovery from injury.
According to reports from Defensa Central , Mourinho is paying particular attention to Pitarch’s development and wants to observe how the youngster performs in both training and competitive matches before making a decision on his role in the first-team setup.
It is to be remembered that Pitarch emerged as one of Real Madrid’s breakout performers last season, successfully making the step up from the academy and playing an important role under former manager Alvaro Arbeloa.
His progress, however, has been temporarily halted by a right knee injury suffered towards the end of July.
The midfielder has now been out for around six weeks, and he is believed to be entering the final stages of his recovery.
Mourinho wants to assess Thiago Pitarch. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
That could allow Mourinho to assess a player who has already shown he is capable of attracting attention at Valdebebas.
Mourinho keeping close eye on Pitarch
Mourinho has always placed importance on identifying and developing talented young players within the academies of the clubs he has managed.
That approach appears to be continuing at Real Madrid, with sources suggesting the Portuguese coach is receiving regular updates on several promising players coming through the club’s system.
Pitarch is one of those players attracting particular attention, and the fact that the Portuguese blocked his move to the Premier League is the perfect example.
It is said that Mourinho is interested in seeing whether Pitarch can adapt to the demands of his tactical plans.
Mourinho is happy with the options he has in midfield. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Simply put, the manager does not want to keep Pitarch around the senior squad. Rather, he wants to give him a meaningful role if his performances justify it.
Naturally, though, much will depend on how he can regain full fitness.
Real Madrid have faith in their midfield options
Pitarch’s return comes at an interesting moment for Real Madrid’s midfield.
The club is not expected to make further moves during the final days of the transfer window, as there is confidence in the players already available.
Bernardo Silva, Arda Guler and Federico Valverde are among those trusted to provide quality and balance in the centre of the pitch, while there is hope that Pitarch could offer another internal solution.
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