Mourinho faces Real Madrid decision over Thiago Pitarch after 288-minute surge

Jose Mourinho’s decision to keep Thiago Pitarch at Real Madrid has increased the pressure on the manager to give the academy midfielder a clear role after the youngster regained full fitness.

Real Madrid blocked Pitarch’s departure during the summer, despite late interest from Fulham, who were managed by Arbeloa, according to Spanish newspaper Marca. That left Mourinho responsible for deciding how the 20-year-old fits into his plans, as he continues to search for the right balance in midfield.

Pitarch has not been formally registered with the first team, but Mourinho has shown a clear interest in involving him. The midfielder missed pre-season because of a knee injury, but used the international break to rebuild his fitness and has since played four matches: three for Real Madrid Castilla and one for Spain Under-20s.

Over the past three weeks, Pitarch has accumulated 288 minutes, according to figures cited in the report. That is more than Aurelien Tchouameni’s 189 minutes and only one minute fewer than Bernardo Silva’s total of 289.

With his physical condition no longer an obstacle, the next step is to establish Pitarch’s position in Mourinho’s squad. The Portuguese manager has yet to settle on his preferred pairing in the double-pivot role and has tested the other available options while leaving Pitarch out of the equation.

The teenager could now provide the balance Real Madrid’s midfield has been missing. Mourinho already has reason to trust him after watching him make an impression with the first team last season.

Mourinho has described Pitarch as a raw talent, but has also praised his ability. He joked: “Thiago has a lot of potential, but I tell him that his legs are like mine and that he needs to work on them.”

Pitarch’s first-team breakthrough came under Arbeloa. He made his debut against Benfica in the first leg of the round of 16, then featured again in the return match as he gradually established himself.

His opportunities were not limited to that tie. Pitarch also appeared in major fixtures against Manchester City and Bayern Munich, as well as the Madrid derby, demonstrating that he could cope with pressure despite his young age.

Arbeloa’s departure then left Pitarch’s future uncertain, with a choice between remaining with the first team and returning to Castilla. Mourinho nevertheless insisted on keeping him, and must now turn that decision into a genuine opportunity on the pitch.

The match against Villarreal could be the first occasion on which Mourinho reveals how significant a role he intends to give the young midfielder.