Real Madrid: Camavinga, jack of all trades

“Don’t start…” On social media, Eduardo Camavinga responded with humor to a user who saw that he had already moved to the left flank of Real Madrid. It must be said that the 20-year-old French international made a strong impression on Thursday night during the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey against Atlético Madrid (3-1).

Moving to the lineout following an injury to Ferland Mendy, the world vice-champion put on a great performance (and caused Savic’s elimination) before being voted man of the match. A symbol of the Frenchman’s versatility, coach Didier Deschamps’ back-up plan for this position during the last World Cup in Qatar following an injury to Lucas Hernandez.

Whatever his place on the pitch, the former Rennes, who has only started 13 times this season, has shown clear progress in recent weeks. “At the moment he helps us a lot, especially in defense,” Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti explained before the match. Vs Athletic Bilbao (Editor’s note: 2-0 win), he played an exceptional game. Because tactically he played very well. In defensive play, what he did, he did fantastic. I loved. »

The former PSG coach appreciates the dedication and desire of the Frenchman who arrived in the Spanish capital in the summer of 2021. The Italian does not rule out a pair of Chuameni-Camavinga. But he believes the midfielder he uses today is not made for a blue-white-red duo more comfortable in a defensive formation. “I think Chuameni is more difficult to play on one side in a three-man midfield, whereas Camavinga has played both right and left midfield a lot of times. As a duo, I think it might be a good plan for them to play together as defensive midfielders,” he explains. They both bring a lot of things, energy, quality to the ball. This might be a good idea for the future. »

In any case, Ancelotti is closing the door on leaving his No. 12, contract until 2027, while there are rumors of a move into the winter transfer window (or a departure from Bellingham next summer). “He is untouchable, like Kroos and Modric,” he says.