
Alvaro Arbeloa stated that when Eder Militao is fit, he is undoubtedly the best in the world, citing his physical dominance and leadership.
Arbeloa emphasized Militao's undeniable importance to the team, highlighting his physicality, aerial game, and ball distribution.
Arbeloa expressed eagerness to compete at home against Girona, stressing the need for Real Madrid to secure three points and deliver a great performance.
Real Madrid's match against Girona is scheduled for Friday, March 24, 2026.
Alvaro Arbeloa praised Eder Militao, stating he is the best player in the world when fit, highlighting his physical dominance and leadership qualities. Arbeloa expressed eagerness for Real Madrid's upcoming match against Girona, emphasizing the need for a strong performance.
VALDEBEBAS, SPAIN - MARCH 21: Alvaro Arbeloa, head coach, attends his press conference during the training day of Real Madrid ahead the Spanish League, LaLiga EA Sports, football match against Atletico de Madrid at Ciudad Deportiva Real Madrid on March 21, 2026, in Valdebebas, Madrid, Spain. (Photo By Oscar J. Barroso/Europa Press via Getty Images) | Europa Press via Getty Images
Alvaro Arbeloa spoke to the media ahead of Real Madridâs match against Girona on Friday. He was asked about Eder Militaoâs qualities, to which he said: âWhen Militao is fit, heâs undoubtedly the best in the world. Physically, heâs a dominant player, excellent in one-on-one situations, covers a lot of ground in open play, and has a very powerful aerial game. He also has great ball distribution, a great mentality, character, and leadership. His importance to the team is undeniable. Itâs a privilege to have a player like him.â
âIâm eager to compete at home in front of our fans, knowing that we need to go for the three points and play a great game. Iâm really looking forward to it.
âTomorrow I want to go out and win. Despite the result, I still believe I fielded my best players in Mallorca. Iâm not thinking about rotations. Tomorrowâs match is the most important one I have as a coach. Iâll field a team thatâs up to the task.â
âYou already know what I think of Vinicius. What he means to me as a coach, as a Real Madrid fan, and the performance heâs delivering. For me, it would be a privilege, and I hope to play every match I have at the BernabĂ©u. The boos are part of the demands of these fans. I see it as normal and natural. Others might notice a tense atmosphere. If thereâs one thing weâre feeling, itâs the support of our fans. We canât ask for anything more. If the team showed character and had the chances they did, it was because of how the BernabĂ©u crowd pushed them. I hope to have the opportunity to play at the BernabĂ©u. All the players feel the same way.â
âItâs not just MbappĂ©; I want players who want to be Real Madrid players every single day. Itâs important to want to be yourself, beyond talent and quality. You canât play Champions League quarter-finals and highly motivated matches every day; thatâs where self-discipline comes in. It goes beyond the talent they possess. We want them to feel they have to shine when they play against Girona tomorrow. Thatâs what we need. For them to be themselves every day and be willing to give their best. Itâs not easy, but thatâs what we need. For their motivation to be giving their absolute best.â
âYou all know my opinion about what has happened for so many years and continues to happen. I am not going to change my mind.â
âI donât want to get into that kind of assessment. Weâve already seen what happened last weekend and what continues to happen for many weeks. My opinion is there and I stand by it; itâs what I keep seeing week after week.â
âNo, not at all. Iâm not one to go into a tactical breakdown of what weâre looking for here. Whatâs important is wanting to go out there with a great attitude, a great commitment. The talent is there, and thatâs wonderful. But to win games, talent alone isnât enough. Occasionally, yes, but if we want to be consistent, we need more than just talent.â
âTheyâre the ones who want to play the most. More than me. Any Real Madrid player, when they donât win and something like this happens, would want to play the next day. Iâve spoken with many of them and theyâre willing, available, and eager to give the fans and ourselves a great game.â
âWe are aware that every match is very important. Now we have less margin for error. If we have no options, we will continue fighting just the same. We know who we represent and the demands that come with it. We are prepared to face it.â
âMilitao and Bellingham will start. Mendy will get some playing time.â
âCamavinga has played quite a bit for me. More than in the first part of the season. He started and will start again tomorrow. I consider him important for me and for the club. He has shown many times what kind of player he is and has the confidence of everyone at the club and, of course, the coach.â
âItâs good that heâs feeling this way. Every coach asks different things of him. He has a privileged physique, excellent ball control. He has great qualities. Iâm happy with his performance. I want him to improve, to understand what we ask of him on the field. He will continue to be important in the future.â
âItâs not about trusting or distrusting. Itâs what weâre seeing. It happened on Tuesday with the tackle on MbappĂ©; itâs hard to understand why it wasnât a red card. Itâs even happening with VAR, which seemed like it was going to solve a lot of things. In Spain, weâre still waiting for an explanation, and we need to fix it. There are a lot of doubts surrounding all these kinds of decisions. One week VAR intervenes, the next it doesnât. I try to focus on my job as a coach.â
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