Alvaro Arbeloa profile: Tactically sharp, impressively bright and a skilled 'politician' with just a hint of David Brent
06.08.26, 10:38 Updated 12.08.26, 13:26
Dave Kidd
THERE is no doubt, whether you’re observing from west London or the Spanish capital, that Fulham’s appointment of Alvaro Arbeloa is a huge gamble.
Arbeloa arrived at Craven Cottage after an intense five-month baptism of fire in elite management at Real Madrid – dealing with the egos of Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe, outsmarting Pep Guardiola in the Champions League, blooding several talented kids - yet ultimately finishing potless and 14 points adrift of bitter rivals Barcelona after suffering eight defeats in all.
Those who observed Arbeloa while in charge of the world’s mightiest club describe him as ‘extremely bright’ and ‘tactically sharp’ yet also as a skilled politician who was willing to tow the line of the Bernabeu club’s president Florentino Perez.
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Dave Kidd has been a leading journalist for three decades and was Chief Sports Writer on four national newspapers. As a Fulham fan of 45 years and a season-ticket holder on the Hammersmith End, he will deliver the highest quality coverage of the Club, with the passion of a true fan and the insight of an elite sports writer.