In a striking moment captured at the Santiago Bernabéu, Thiago Pitarch received applause from the crowd following an impressive performance against Elche. Just one month ago, on February 17, he made his debut at Da Luz against Benfica, and until then, he was relatively unknown to the broader football audience. However, for the devoted fans at Valdebebas and the scouts tracking the youth prospects of leading clubs in La Liga, his name was already making waves. Today, aside from Fede Valverde, Pitarch stands as a pivotal figure for a more dynamic and energetic Real Madrid, who are on the brink of advancing to the Champions League quarter-finals, pending the outcome against Manchester City.
Before delving into his unique journey, it is essential to understand the buzz surrounding his current status. The 18-year-old academy graduate, often described as a "diamond in the rough," possesses a playing style that leans more towards South American flair than traditional Spanish techniques. With minimal positional play, remarkable physicality, and technical finesse honed from a system that aligns with Real Madrid's demands, he is making a significant impact. Interestingly, there are indications that he may hold Moroccan nationality through one of his grandmothers, who hails from Al Hoceima, a place he visits annually. He has even been called up to the Under-20 national team, although he has consistently chosen to represent Spain.
As the World Cup approaches, with Morocco aggressively seeking to recruit talented Spanish players—Brahim being a notable example—Pitarch is unlikely to yield to such temptations. His impact in the capital has generated a flurry of offers from agents eager to represent him. Currently, he is in the process of parting ways with his existing agent, who had initially signed him two years ago upon his arrival at Madrid. The agency 'Best of You', which also represents Álvaro Arbeloa, is among the frontrunners for his services, although no final decision has been made. Other reports suggest that 'You First' could be in the mix as well.
Before his recent rise to prominence, Pitarch, who comes from a humble background, traversed all corners of Madrid in search of the quickest route to elite football. His journey included stints at Atlético, Getafe, and Leganés before Real Madrid finally secured his talents at the age of 16. He spent only a few months with the Juvenil B team under Julián López before Arbeloa promoted him to the Juvenil A squad, where he quickly captured the coach's admiration. However, he still has areas to improve, particularly in terms of his final pass, goal-scoring capabilities, and organizing pressing strategies. Occasionally, he tends to move out of sync with the play, but these are minor adjustments for a player who is already praised for having "four lungs" and an immense potential ahead.
As reported by lavanguardia.com.
