Álvaro Arbeloa highlighted the youth of the current Real Madrid squad, noting that the average age is around 23 or 24, compared to the 27 or 28 average of the starting eleven that won the club’s last Champions League. Despite this difference, the coach insists the team has enough experienced figures to guide the younger players.

"I could name many, there's Carvajal, Alaba, Militao, Bellingham, Valverde, Vinicius, Mbappé... I think there are many players with considerable experience, who have been at the club and in football for many years, and who have a great personality," the coach commented at this morning's press conference.

The topic of leadership within the dressing room remains a point of debate among supporters. During one of the most successful periods in the club’s history, figures such as Ramos, Cristiano, Modric, Benzema and Kroos took on leading roles. From Arbeloa’s list, Carvajal stands out as the main link to that era, being the only player with significant experience from that group.

Other players have gradually taken on leadership responsibilities, including Valverde, Alaba and Vinicius. The Austrian’s presence is particularly notable despite his expected departure, as demonstrated during the Bayern match when he approached Vinicius on the sidelines to calm him, a moment that quickly spread across social media.

Arbeloa also pointed to two of the team’s newer arrivals. Bellingham, who was part of the squad that won the most recent Champions League in London against Dortmund, and Mbappé. The coach has consistently defended the French forward amid criticism over his perceived lack of commitment, emphasizing that his experience, including winning a World Cup at just 18, reflects a strong mentality.

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