There has been discussion as to the potential, ceiling, and uncertainty when it comes to the career path of Eduardo Camavinga. Immediately making an impact during his first season with Real Madrid, securing a Champions League and domestic title, the French midfielder had looked secure and confident whenever he was included in the starting XI and set a high standard for himself.
Looking extremely mature at such a young age, the future seemed bright for the young talent but admittedly the Frenchman’s time this season has been fairly average compared to such a great debut campaign. However, Camavinga, Real Madrid and their fans should be patient as his time to flourish will come.
Initially, when Casemiro departed for a new challenge to Manchester United, there was an idea to slot Camavinga right into Real Madrid’s midfield trio. On the surface, this seemed to make sense as it would give the youngster the opportunity needed to continue his growth.
It seemed like a win-win for everyone involved, Casemiro could move on with his place already cemented in Real Madrid’s history, Camavinga could begin to get more first-team experience alongside other generational talents, and Carlo Ancelotti could set his sights on adding more depth to the squad. Things have not quite worked out like that though.
What does the future hold for Camavinga at Real Madrid?
Quite interestingly, Real Madrid opted to secure the signing of Aurelien Tchouameni in the summer and made him first choice when Casemiro left. This sent a message that should not be misunderstood. It is not that Ancelotti did not trust Camavinga to step into the vacant and big shoes left behind by the Brazilian defensive midfielder, it was that the Italian manager did not see the Frenchman’s skill set to be the best fit for that role: a player to break-up play, distribute, and primarily sit deep.
It is true that Camavinga can do the job as a midfielder to win the ball, keep possession, or play more direct passes. However, Real Madrid see more traits that can be of better use to the overall team.
Camavinga is very quick, technical, and athletic in the midfield. He has a very unique ability to break the lines with penetrating runs and has very intelligent off-the-ball movement. In short, he has the skills to elevate the midfield quality even with what Real Madrid fans have seen in the likes of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.
On that note, the form of Kroos and Modric have naturally caused Camavinga to have less playing time. The Real Madrid veterans have put on masterclasses regularly this season and the youngster has made rotational appearances while Tchouameni has established himself as a nailed on starter.
This is nothing to scoff at. Modric and Kroos are currently playing at a very high-level and this comes with the territory when one signs for Real Madrid. The competition will always be intense and Camavinga will need to continue to prove all doubters wrong if he is to be a starter one day.
Modric and Kroos will eventually start slowing down though and that is precisely when the spotlight will be on the Frenchman to shine.
The reality is that Camavinga is an extremely versatile player and Real Madrid will need to be careful in how they handle his situation. On a positive note, this is not a matter of the club not having the proper system in place for him.
For instance, during the time of Isco or James Rodriguez at the club, Los Blancos often did not play a system that naturally suited a classic number 10. As a result, they had to sometimes play out of their natural positions and although they had the quality to make the best out of this, it was difficult for either of them to produce what they were truly capable of on a consistent basis.
Real Madrid do not show any signs of changing their three-man midfield system and as long as Camavinga can take notes from the very best of his peers and colleagues, there is no reason to think that he will not succeed in the very near future in the Spanish capital. As long as he can maintain his learner’s mindset, continue to improve on his strengths and rectify his weaknesses, Los Blancos can start laying the groundwork for a midfield that could dominate for years to come.