Real Madrid defensive midfielder Casemiro has built a reputation as being the best No. 6 on the planet. Replacing him will be extremely difficult, with Monaco’s Aurelien Tchouameni largely being seen as the only likely, suitable No. 6 on the transfer market. Thus, he has become the best target in midfield for the Merengues this summer.
However, Los Blancos purchased another young, world-class midfielder from Ligue 1 last season, signing Eduardo Camavinga for 30 million euros in a move that looks like an even bigger steal today.
Camavinga has been used in the 6 role whenever Casemiro is suspended or needs rest, and he has acquitted himself very well there, even though the No. 8 midfield role is Cama’s best position in the Real Madrid 4-3-3.
Naturally, Camavinga has been asking for Casemiro’s expert advice on how to play the position, and I think you will be very amused by the advice he gives the young Frenchman, as revealed by Camavinga to reporters:
"“Casemiro’s advice? When I play 6, he tells me to stay calm. And, above all, not to get a card too soon.”"
Eduardo Camavinga has shown great composure in the Champions League
For those of you who do not know, Casemiro is famous for more than just being an amazing defender. He is incredible at keeping relaxed when tensions are high and diffusing fights, as even the most emotional of opponents are smarter than to test him. But secondly, he is also famous for being able to avoid bookings or, especially, avoid second bookings for a red card by walking a very thin line.
So he’s likely imparting the same wisdom – and a bit of the “dark arts” – to Camavinga when it comes to playing the defensive midfield position. We have seen some of that from Cama this season, though it is true that at one point, Carlo Ancelotti was hesitant to play the 19-year-old due to some early bookings.
Since then, Camavinga has walked the line well, and when it comes to calmness, he put on clinics in composure at the end of two intense, high-stakes Champions League knockout wins over Chelsea and Manchester City.
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Camavinga may not be the next 6 for Real Madrid – though that is possible – but he would definitely be wise to take Casemiro’s advice. Seeing how humble and driven he is to succeed, he undoubtedly is doing just that.