Real Madrid prodigy making his case for a first-team return after impressive break

Real Madrid prodigy making his case for a first-team return after impressive break The international break has given several Real Madrid players a chance to recharge, but for Thiago Pitarch, it has been an opportunity to finally play. The young midfielder had been starved of minutes at the start of the season, but a temporary plan with Castilla and Spain’s youth sides has allowed him to shine. And he appears to be making a strong case for a first-team return, as reported by Diario AS . Thiago seizes his opportunity Pitarch is still yet to make that breakthrough. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) With no call-up to Spain’s Under-21 side, Real Madrid, in agreement with Jose Mourinho, arranged for Pitarch to gain match fitness by playing with Castilla rather than training alone at Valdebebas. The 19-year-old had gone 73 days without minutes following a knee injury that disrupted his pre-season, so the plan was designed to ease him back into competitive action. He featured against Sant Andreu and Alcorcon, before producing a standout display in the mini-derby against Atletico Madrileno, with Mourinho watching on from the stands. Pitarch was influential throughout, covering the pitch and operating more as a playmaker than a midfielder. He also impressed on international duty, scoring with his left foot in Spain Under-20s’ 2-0 win over Mexico. A big opportunity awaits for Pitarch Pitarch will look to make his mark once the season resumes. (Photo by Charlotte Tattersall/Getty Images) His performances have not gone unnoticed, with Castilla coach Julian Lopez de Lerma lavishing praise on the youngster, insisting he is remarkably easy to manage. “I knew that he was going to take this game as if it were his last. Managing with Thiago is very easy,” Lopez de Lerma said. “If we see him up there playing, we will be very happy for him.” The road ahead for Pitarch will be an interesting one, with Real Madrid struggling to find the right balance in midfield. Not to mention, Federico Valverde has struggled with injuries while Aurelien Tchouameni could operate as a centre-back in the upcoming game against Villarreal. This could potentially open up the opportunity for Pitarch to earn some first-team minutes and make an impression.