Xabi Alonso calls up 18-year-old Real Madrid prodigy to first-team training | OneFootball

Real Madrid started their curtailed pre-season on Monday as they prepare for the start of the 2025/26 season against Osasuna in two weeks.

Xabi Alonso has already gotten a fairly good look at his players during the FIFA Club World Cup over the summer, barring a few players who have been out injured.

At the same time, the new manager is also keeping an eye on the youth and reserve ranks for talented players with potential.

Diego Aguado and Daniel Yanez were called up to train by Alonso on the first day of pre-season on Monday. Today, a new face has been asked to join the senior team.

Thiago Pitarch training with Real Madrid first team

Indeed, according to journalist June Lavin, Real Madrid teenage prodigy Thiago Pitarch is training with the first-team squad under the watchful eye of Xabi Alonso today.

A young midfielder, who turned 18 years old this past weekend, Pitarch is seen as one of the most promising young talents coming through La Fabrica.

The midfield gem, who joined Real Madrid from Leganes in 2023, had been training with Castilla under Alvaro Arbeloa since the start of their pre-season and was one of the standout performers.

Impressed by the youngster, Alonso has decided to give Pitarch an opportunity to work with the senior squad today at Valdebebas.

It is well-established at this point that the Real Madrid manager is looking to add a new midfielder to the squad, but the club have not found the right player in the market.

Pitarch is a skilled, dynamic midfielder with great promise and could fit the profile Alonso is looking for. Having impressed with Castilla over the past couple of weeks, the 18-year-old will hope to do so with the senior team as well.