Athletic Club vs. Real Madrid: 3 players who must shine with David Alaba out

DM Eduardo Camavinga

We’ve been discussing Eduardo Camavinga a lot lately, because Wednesday’s match against Athletic Club is a big one for the young French midfielder. Camavinga will start as the defensive midfielder for Casemiro, whose rash challenge against Cadiz earned him a fifth yellow card and a suspension for the trip to San Mames.

The former Rennes star has been impressive as a substitute this season, scoring on his debut in a comeback win at the Santiago Bernabeu vs. Celta Vigo. And he won the game with his assist against Inter Milan in the Champions League.

On Wednesday night, Camavinga’s task won’t be about scoring or assisting, though Madridistas would not turn down a goal contribution at all, especially not against the notoriously stingy Athletic defense – in the Lion’s Den itself, no less.

But Camavinga’s covering and distribution will be key. No Luka Modric means even more importance will be given to Camavinga’s recovering and quick passing in transition. He and Fede Valverde are a great tandem on paper, and they must click in action on Matchday 21 in LaLiga so that Real can pick up the three points they need to maintain their lead over Sevilla.

Alaba is known for his ability to step up and pass, and his contributions to the build-up phase are world-class. Camavinga can be great on the ball in the future, but let’s see how ready he is in the present to keep the ball and progress the ball as a passer against a physical, organized Bilbao who tend to bring their A++ game at San Mames against LaLiga’s biggest powerhouse.