Real Madrid’s new boss, Xabi Alonso, has been vocal about how Camavinga fits into his tactical plans. The 21‑year‑old Frenchman, who arrived in January, is already being touted as a Swiss‑army‑knife in the middle of the park.
Camavinga’s role under Alonso
Alonso told reporters that the midfielder “fits in with what we want to do,” underscoring his ability to slip into several positions – defensive midfielder, central playmaker, even a wide role when needed. The coach went on to draw a direct line to Jude Bellingham, saying Eduardo is at a similar stage and “can do almost everything.” That comparison isn’t just hype; Camavinga has already shown he can break up attacks, dictate tempo, and contribute to the final third in the same match.
- Defensive shield in front of the back four.
- Box‑to‑box engine linking defence and attack.
- Advanced playmaker cutting inside from the right.
- Occasional deep‑lying orchestrator in a 4‑2‑3‑1 setup.
Alonso’s confidence isn’t blind. He reminded everyone that “no one is a guaranteed starter,” meaning Camavinga still has to earn his minutes by outperforming teammates in training and matches.
Merit‑based rotation at the Bernabéu
The philosophy of “whoever deserves to play will play” was evident after Madrid’s 4‑1 thrashing of Levante. With the victory, Alonso tried a mix of seasoned heads and hungry youngsters, rotating players like Ferland Mendy and giving Camavinga a chance to shine in a more advanced role.
Alonso believes that constant competition keeps the squad sharp. He cited examples from his own playing days, noting that a rotating bench pushes everyone to maintain high standards. The manager also hinted that the club’s transfer strategy will focus on players who can adapt to multiple systems, a nod to the modern, fluid style he’s trying to embed at the Bernabéu.
As the season progresses, the real test will be whether Camavinga can sustain his versatility against Europe’s elite. If he does, Alonso’s gamble on a merit‑first approach could pay off, giving Real Madrid a midfield capable of reshaping the game on the fly.