Real Madrid & Eduardo Camavinga: A Future in Doubt Under Xabi Alonso?
Real Madrid’s midfield revolution may be heading toward an unexpected crossroads, and Eduardo Camavinga, once viewed as a cornerstone for the future, is suddenly facing a moment of uncertainty. According to Marca E, the club’s hierarchy has growing doubts over Camavinga’s long-term fit under new manager Xabi Alonso, and the situation is beginning to draw internal concern.
Camavinga’s Tactical Identity Crisis
Camavinga’s biggest strength — his versatility — might also be his undoing. Over the past two seasons, he’s been praised for his ability to adapt. Whether filling in at left-back during an injury crisis, partnering in a double pivot, or being deployed as a dynamic box-to-box engine, he’s always delivered with energy, pressing intensity, and technical finesse.
But under Xabi Alonso, versatility may not be enough. Alonso’s tactical blueprint requires players with a clearly defined function in a meticulously balanced system. In his championship-winning season at Bayer Leverkusen, he relied on specialists — players who understood their zone, role, and positioning within a compact, structured 3-4-2-1 setup. Alonso doesn’t rotate for the sake of it; he rotates to reinforce clarity. That may work against a hybrid player like Camavinga who has yet to master a single position at Madrid.
The Tchouaméni Roadblock
At the heart of this uncertainty is Aurélien Tchouaméni. The former AS Monaco star is not only in the same age bracket as Camavinga but plays in exactly the same role — as a defensive midfielder. His reading of the game, aerial dominance, and positional discipline are critical to anchoring the midfield. Xabi Alonso, himself a former world-class pivot, deeply values such qualities.
Tchouaméni’s hold on that No. 6 position is so strong that Camavinga may be permanently pushed into more unfamiliar territory — or onto the bench. In a system where roles are tightly defined, duplication is inefficient. There’s room for one long-term pivot — and right now, that spot is Tchouaméni’s.
Güler & Valverde: The New Engines
Meanwhile, Arda Güler and Federico Valverde have emerged as two midfielders Xabi Alonso views as tactically vital. Güler, the Turkish wonderkid, offers something Madrid’s midfield has often lacked — vertical flair and attacking unpredictability. Despite limited minutes last season, Güler is exploding in preseason and showing signs he could be Madrid’s creative spark behind the striker.
Valverde, on the other hand, remains irreplaceable for his physical dominance, stamina, and leadership. His ability to contribute defensively while still pushing forward in transition perfectly fits Alonso’s box-to-box demands. These two players don’t directly block Camavinga’s path in terms of role, but their prominence reduces the number of spots available in the starting XI.
⚖️ Alonso’s Dilemma — and Camavinga’s Choice
Camavinga finds himself stuck between roles: not quite a defensive anchor, not quite a creator, not quite a wingback. Unless Alonso builds a system with more fluidity and rotation — which seems unlikely given his meticulous style — Camavinga may become more of a rotational piece than a starter.
Now, the question becomes: Will Camavinga accept a rotational role as Madrid chase titles across multiple competitions, or will he seek a club where he can cement himself as the centerpiece of the midfield?
Real Madrid are not considering a sale just yet — but agents, scouts, and rival sporting directors across Europe are watching closely. If Camavinga begins the season on the fringes, expect clubs like PSG, Bayern Munich, Arsenal, and even Juventus to monitor his situation closely.
The Bigger Picture: Squad Evolution
This situation also reflects Real Madrid’s shift in identity. With Modrić aging out, Kroos retired, and Alonso ushering in a new tactical era, every player is being re-evaluated. No one is guaranteed a spot anymore — not even those once touted as the future.
Camavinga’s case is a test of Alonso’s clarity and the club’s long-term planning. Either Camavinga redefines himself under Alonso’s structure, or the club faces a difficult decision: let go of a fan-favorite talent, or risk stalling his development in a role he wasn’t born to play.
