Xabi Alonso on Camavinga's Versatility and Real Madrid's Merit‑Based Selection

Xabi Alonso on Camavinga's Versatility and Real Madrid's Merit‑Based Selection

Sep, 24 2025 Paul Caine

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

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.

17 Comments

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    manohar jha

    September 26, 2025 AT 16:04

    Camavinga’s got that quiet confidence you don’t see much anymore. Not flashy, not loud, just does the job. Reminds me of how Zidane used to glide through games - no need for showboating when you’re always in the right spot. Real Madrid’s lucky to have someone who doesn’t need the spotlight to be great.

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    Nitya Tyagi

    September 26, 2025 AT 16:31

    Oh please… another ‘Swiss Army knife’ narrative. He’s 21. He’s not even close to Bellingham. Alonso’s just trying to sell the hype because he needs to justify his own coaching choices. It’s all smoke and mirrors… 😒

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    Sanjay Verma

    September 27, 2025 AT 16:13

    Anyone else notice how Camavinga’s movement reminds you of a young Kante but with better passing? He doesn’t just cover ground - he controls it. And the way he drops into the half-spaces? Pure tactical IQ. Alonso’s system is basically asking him to be a hybrid of Pirlo, Kanté, and Modrić. That’s wild.

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    surabhi chaurasia

    September 28, 2025 AT 10:46

    This is just too much. Kids today think they can play every position. Back in my day, you played one role and you did it well. No magic, no hype. Just hard work. This is why football is losing its soul.

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    Amresh Singh knowledge

    September 29, 2025 AT 12:55

    It's worth noting that Alonso's philosophy reflects a broader evolution in modern football. The demand for positional flexibility is no longer an advantage - it's a necessity. Clubs that fail to adapt risk obsolescence. Camavinga's profile aligns with the future of midfield play, not just Real Madrid's current needs.

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    Rahul Madhukumar

    October 1, 2025 AT 04:59

    Lmao ‘merit-based’? Please. He’s playing because he’s young and French and the media loves him. Bellingham’s the real deal. Camavinga’s just the flavor of the month. Wait till he faces Klopp’s press or Haaland’s pace. Then we’ll see if he’s really a ‘Swiss Army knife’ or just a guy who looks good in warmups. 😏

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    Khushi Thakur

    October 2, 2025 AT 20:08

    There’s something deeply poetic about a midfielder who can shift between roles like a chameleon - it mirrors the human condition, doesn’t it? We are all trying to find our place, to be everything to everyone, to be needed in ways we never asked for. Camavinga doesn’t just play football - he embodies the silent struggle of modern identity. 🌌

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    Varad Tambolkar

    October 3, 2025 AT 04:01

    Wait… why is a French kid suddenly the key to Real Madrid’s future? Who’s paying him? Who’s pushing this narrative? Something’s off. This isn’t just football - it’s a geopolitical play. They’re grooming him to be the EU’s answer to Spanish football dominance. I’ve seen this before… 🤔

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    Vijay Paul

    October 3, 2025 AT 19:27

    Alonso’s approach is exactly what top clubs need. No favorites. No legacy spots. Just performance. That’s how you build champions. Camavinga’s not the only one benefiting - the whole squad is being pushed. That’s the real win here.

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    RUPESH BUKE

    October 5, 2025 AT 05:54

    Camavinga is good. Alonso knows what he’s doing. Simple.

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    Chirag Kamra

    October 6, 2025 AT 13:59

    Broooo Camavinga is straight-up a wizard. One minute he’s stealing the ball like a ninja, next he’s threading a pass like Messi on a coffee break. Alonso’s got him doing the impossible and making it look easy. I’m not even mad anymore - I’m just impressed. 🤯🔥

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    Ramesh Velusamy

    October 7, 2025 AT 09:15

    Man this kid’s got the work ethic of a guy who’s got nothing to lose and everything to prove. Alonso’s not just coaching him - he’s building a legacy. And honestly? The whole squad better step up. If Camavinga’s out here doing triple the work, the rest better not be chilling. This is how you win titles - not by name, by grind.

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    Sushil Kallur

    October 8, 2025 AT 13:09

    It’s refreshing to see a manager value adaptability over star power. In a world obsessed with transfer fees and social media clout, Alonso is quietly rebuilding the soul of the game. Camavinga isn’t just a player - he’s a symbol of what football can be when intelligence outweighs ego.

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    Chandni Solanki

    October 10, 2025 AT 12:20

    Can we just appreciate how calm he is on the ball? Like… no panic. No drama. Just smooth, quiet control. I love that. It’s like watching a cat walk across a tightrope - no one even notices… until they realize the cat didn’t fall. 😌❤️

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    Nitin Garg

    October 12, 2025 AT 12:01

    Oh wow, another ‘genius’ coach who thinks he can fix everything. Real Madrid used to be about class. Now it’s about marketing a 21-year-old French kid as the next messiah. Give me a break. Alonso’s just another guy who thinks tactics are magic.

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    Seema Lahiri

    October 12, 2025 AT 23:22

    I think what’s interesting here is not just Camavinga’s ability to play multiple roles but how the team responds to him. You can see the older players adjusting their positioning, learning from him, not just because they have to but because they respect his awareness. It’s a quiet transformation happening - no headlines, no press conferences - just the game evolving. And that’s the most beautiful part.

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    Jay Patel

    October 13, 2025 AT 11:34

    Camavinga’s gonna break. He’s too young, too pressured, too overworked. They’re turning him into a robot. And when he cracks? The whole system collapses. This isn’t football - it’s a factory. And we’re all just watching the assembly line.

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