{"id":22757,"date":"2026-02-09T15:12:13","date_gmt":"2026-02-09T15:12:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/09\/arbeloa-i-thought-wed-never-see-a-player-like-cristiano-but-mbappe-seems-to-be-heading-in-that-direction\/"},"modified":"2026-02-09T15:12:13","modified_gmt":"2026-02-09T15:12:13","slug":"arbeloa-i-thought-wed-never-see-a-player-like-cristiano-but-mbappe-seems-to-be-heading-in-that-direction","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/09\/arbeloa-i-thought-wed-never-see-a-player-like-cristiano-but-mbappe-seems-to-be-heading-in-that-direction\/","title":{"rendered":"Arbeloa: “I thought we’d never see a player like Cristiano, but Mbappe seems to be heading in that direction.”"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Alvaro Arbeloa was very happy with Real Madrid’s victory at the Mestalla. The coach admitted that although it wasn’t a great game in terms of play, they are on the right track. Match on merit: “Three wins in the last 11 years. I’ve been there as a player and I know how difficult it is. It’s always an important game when Madrid come, both for the people and for the players. We have won with solidity and dedication and we were fair winners.”<\/p>\n

Changes at right-back: “Fede, no matter where you put him, he always gives great performances. He is happy in the middle of the pitch and we know that is where we can get the most out of him. David has played very well. It’s disappointing that we didn’t get the chance, but it’s great news for the whole youth team to be able to play and contribute what David has contributed. And Trent, after a long absence, we’re going to be cautious. \u201d<\/p>\n

Carvajal: “I see Dani getting better and better in training. I’m not going to take any risks. He’s worked even on his days off. He’s always the first to say it in the locker room before and after a match. It’s important to have someone like him as a reference in the locker room. He’ll find his best level and certainly he’ll have less and less time to work on that importance and become a more meaningful presence.”<\/p>\n

Mestalla: “We know that coming to Mestalla is like going to the dentist, because of their demands and the need to earn points. Now we have to keep improving.”<\/p>\n

Difficulties of playing at Mestalla: “We all know what it’s like to come to this stadium, what the atmosphere is like, their enthusiasm for Real Madrid. And we controlled the game well. Courtois didn’t have to make any saves and it was a solid job from the players.”<\/p>\n

Carreras’ goal and Mbappe’s goal: “He’s a player with a lot of talent and he scored a great goal in the first leg. We thought we’d never see a player like Cristiano, but Mbappe seems to be heading in that direction.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n


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Alvaro Arbeloa was very happy with Real Madrid’s victory at the Mestalla. The coach admitted that although it wasn’t a great game in terms of play, they are on the right track. Match on merit: “Three wins in the last 11 years. 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