VALENCIA, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 08: David Jimenez of Real Madrid looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Valencia CF and Real Madrid CF at Estadi de Mestalla on February 08, 2026 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesHridyam AroraWed, February 11, 2026 at 3:56 AM UTC·1 min readReal Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa was ‘very satisfied’ with Castilla player David Jimenez’s performance at right-back in the team’s 2-0 win over Valencia on the weekend, according to a report from AS.
It is said that the coach was already aware of the player’s potential, but the Spanish youngster somehow exceeded it in the game. As a result, the player will be with the first team more often from now on.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementJimenez was a surprise inclusion in the lineup after Arbeloa decided against starting Fede Valverde at right-back on Sunday.
Dani Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold were also available on the bench, but the Spaniard went for the Castilla player over the two stars, presumably to ease them into minutes after their respective injury recoveries.
Jimenez put in a solid shift at right-back at the Mestalla, with constant overloads in the attacking third. He made his presence known when Real Madrid were struggling to provide any threat from the right side.
Jimenez may not play many more minutes after the two stars are fully recovered from their injuries, but he has improved his value and ceiling by a lot after playing that way on Sunday.
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