Real Madrid could learn something important for their future against Athletic Club
Real Madrid will face Athletic Club at the vaunted San Mames on Wednesday night, having barely defeated the Lions a couple of weeks ago after a masterclass in goal from Thibaut Courtois. For this match, they will be without 11 players, including two world-class midfielders in Luka Modric and Casemiro.
Modric was out with COVID-19 against Cadiz this weekend, too, with Fede Valverde starting for him on the right side of the formation. The same will be the case on Wednesday. However, Casemiro’s replacement will be more interesting and a new twist, as Eduardo Camavinga is set to start as the No. 6 for the suspended Brazilian.
Los Blancos still don’t know if Camavinga is the man for the 6 spot, but it’s definitely something the club wants to find out.
The consensus is that Camavinga, over the long-term, is an 8. That is his position with the most upside, given his ball-carrying ability and growing technical quality. Camavinga has serious upside offensively, as we saw with his match-winning assist in the Champions League vs. Inter Milan.
Real Madrid are still searching for Casemiro’s backup
But for this season and in the short-term, Real Madrid need to know what he can offer in matches like this as the defensive midfielder. Whereas Valverde can be an option for Toni Kroos or Modric and Camavinga himself can start at these positions, Los Blancos have only one other backup for Casemiro. And that is Antonio Blanco, whom Carlo Ancelotti still seems to be protecting. On top of that, Dani Ceballos is returning and is another option as an 8 in midfield.
Camavinga will start for Casemiro at Athletic Club in what will be a big test for the teenager. The Lions are truly unleashed at San Mames, and they defend their beloved stadium and city with ferocity. But as we all know, Camavinga is not afraid to get physical either, much like his teammate Casemiro.
If Camavinga can have a successful outing at San Mames, that will go a long way in giving Ancelotti and Madrid confidence in his ability to start for Casemiro. That will help in cases of injury or suspension for Case, as in this match, or even if the veteran needs rest. The number of minutes he has played these last few seasons has become a big topic of discussion, especially whenever he has a bit of a slump.
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Real Madrid need the three points to close the year and keep themselves from Sevilla’s challenge. Dropping points to Cadiz this weekend hurt. However, Madridistas will have a secondary interest in this trip to San Mames to see exactly what Camavinga can offer to the Merengue club in this position. We know how much Los Blancos have been itching for a reliable backup for Casemiro.