Real Madrid Castilla coach Álvaro Arbeloa has delivered a candid assessment of young center-back Joan Martínez, emphasizing that the defender must significantly raise his standards if he aims to reach the first team.
Arbeloa stated, “Joan Martínez is a kid with a lot of talent, but he still has a very long way to go. He needs to train much harder, more focused, with more intensity. If he wants to be a Real Madrid player, he has to know the demands for that position are sky-high. What he’s doing now isn’t enough to be a first-team player.”
The coach also highlighted that Martínez possesses all the necessary physical, technical, and mental qualities. However, he stressed that the young defender must train at maximum level every day to make the crucial jump from Castilla to the senior Real Madrid squad.
Within the club, Arbeloa’s message is viewed more as a coach protecting a standout youth player rather than outright criticism. At this stage in a player’s development, individuals are particularly sensitive to both praise and harsh judgment. Arbeloa’s approach is seen as providing Martínez with a firm reality check before external pressure distorts expectations.
Martínez is widely regarded as one of the brightest defensive prospects in Real Madrid’s academy. Still, the club’s staff are united on one key point: reaching the top level demands much more than just talent. Arbeloa wants to instill that sense of urgency in Martínez now, setting the foundation for his future success.
https://sports.yahoo.com/article/arbeloa-sends-clear-message-joan-200624932.html
