Álvaro Arbeloa

Álvaro Arbeloa Coca (born January 17, 1983) is a Spain football (soccer) player who is seen mainly as a right back, although he can play as a central defender and he has started all of his games in the 2007/2008 season as left back. He currently plays for the English team Liverpool FC.

Playing career

Real Madrid C.F.

After signing as a teenager for Real Madrid C.F], Arbeloa then played for youth coach Rafael Benitez's team. He then graduated to the reserve team, and played for the first team twice.

On July 24, 2006 Arbeloa signed for Deportivo de La Coruña, following in teammate Roberto Soldado's footsteps. Arbeloa said: "This is a strange situation for me, I have been playing for Real Madrid for a year, since I was 16 years old. Real was nothing but good to me, but it's time for me to go. Real Madrid C.F. have the best players in the world and although that is great for the club, unfortunately that's not so great for cantera players; only a few of us can find their place in the first team, and even those who do find their place in the first team like Álvaro Mejía and Francisco Pavón are only third or fourth pick and that is why I want to leave the club to a club where I can get some regular playing time, in La Liga of course. Deportivo de La Coruña is one of the best clubs in Spain and with Joaquín Caparrós as head coach I will certainly get more experience, and get better, what is most important is that he will have confidence in me. I have enjoyed my time at Real, and I thank everybody who helped me. I'm leaving Real Madrid to play more football, no other reason."

Liverpool F.C.

On 31 January, 2007 Arbeloa signed for England FA Premier League club Liverpool F.C], for a fee of around £2.5 million, with Real Madrid receiving 50% of the fee. He made his Premiership debut on February 10 against Newcastle United, coming as a substitute for Jermaine Pennant. He made his full debut against Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League at the Nou Camp, where he was employed as a left-back. This was done by coach Rafael Benitez for tactical reasons, as his stronger right foot could stop Lionel Messi when the latter would try to cut into the centre (which is usually his style of play). His part in keeping Lionel Messi quiet helped Liverpool to a 2-1 win over the defending champions. He scored his first goal for Liverpool against Reading FC on April 7 2007, becoming both the first Liverpool number 2 to score in a competitive match since Mike Marsh (footballer) scored in a League Cup 4th Round replay against Crystal Palace on 16 December 1992 and the first Liverpool number 2 to score in the Premier League since Mike Marsh (footballer) scored against Crystal Palace on 28 November 1992.

Arbeloa's squad number changed from 2 to 17 for the 2007–08 season.During this season he became first choice left-back and his consistency has also improved.