3 Real Madrid players who must step up at Athletic Club with Casemiro out

1. EDUARDO CAMAVINGA

I am very positive about Eduardo Camavinga starting this game in Casemiro’s position alongside Toni Kroos and Fede Valverde. That would be my pick for the midfield three against a very tough Athletic Club test in mid-week.

Interestingly, Camavinga is also one yellow card away from suspension and I believe Carlo Ancelotti didn’t play his French prodigy in the second half against Cadiz simply because he couldn’t risk his starter for the next match. Despite the play in the middle of the park requiring more energy, something that has sort of been becoming Camavinga’s job in this squad, he wasn’t used and that makes me believe there was no reason other than keeping him safe for Athletic Club.

Camavinga only has five starts for Real Madrid in all competitions. His last start was in the game against Rayo Vallecano that Real Madrid won 2-1. Other than that, Camavinga has made his mark only in cameo appearances as a substitute. However, he has impressed me well in everything that he does in the limited time he gets. He surely is on the way towards becoming Real Madrid’s next super-sub.

This time though, Camavinga will be given his start and he’d have a big opportunity to convince Carlo Ancelotti for a more heightened role in the squad. Camavinga can do a decent job while playing in the defensive midfield role and can complement Toni Kroos to play a holding role with the central defense per need.

That said, Camavinga is a young player. He is just 19 years old and it is really good to see him playing at such high levels of football already. He’ll have a great opportunity but at the same time, he’ll have to check the mistakes he often commits like silly giveaways that could cost heavily to Real Madrid against a side like Athletic Club who can break dangerously.