When Eduardo Camavinga was brought in by Real Madrid in the summer of 2021, he became a player fans could point to as the future of the club. But as his debut season progressed, everyone recognized that the Frenchman’s enormous potential could be tapped into perhaps sooner than expected.
While mostly being used in a substitute role, Camavinga’s combination of skill, energy, and athleticism was critical in Real Madrid’s famous comeback victories during their run to Champions League glory last season.
As a central midfielder, the French international can do just about anything a manager could ask for. Defensively, Camavinga can press high, anchor a trio, or roam in a pivot. On the ball, he has shown an incredible ability to progress up the pitch and his passing range seems to grow each week. While perhaps not elite at anything yet, he can do it all.
This season has seen Camavinga take his game to a new level, and his versatility has been on show in new ways, especially after the World Cup break. As the campaign has progressed, the 20-year-old has started more often as veterans like Luka Modric and Toni Kroos have needed more rest.
Real Madrid youngster has proven his worth this season
Recently, with injuries along the back line, Camavinga has been crucial when it comes to filling in at left-back, with Ferland Mendy out of action.
Mendy’s performances were not the most convincing prior to his injury. And Camavinga has played with incredible confidence and maturity in a position where one would assume he is not entirely comfortable.
Camavinga’s usual standout traits of tackling, ball security, and progressive dribbling have been on display while playing at left-back. But it is his tactical intelligence that has proven to be most crucial to his versatility. To be able to adapt to a new position so quickly during a critical part of the season is not common, and Real Madrid have needed every ounce of brilliant play that he has given them over the past several weeks.
Camavinga’s future is surely in midfield, but his ability to fill in other roles when necessary is so useful for any team while building a squad. He is a pillar of Real Madrid’s future, and a crucial member of the present.