Camavinga's revival under Arbeloa breathes new life into Madrid career
The French midfielder finds his feet again at the Bernabéu as Arbeloa's tactical tweaks help unlock his potential after a difficult spell under Xabi Alonso.
After a rough patch that saw him struggle for form and fitness, Eduardo Camavinga is finally showing signs of becoming the player Real Madrid always believed he could be – all thanks to Álvaro Arbeloa’s renewed faith in the Frenchman.
Finding his feet again
The 21-year-old midfielder recently hit the 200-appearance milestone for Los Blancos, but it’s been far from plain sailing for the former Rennes man. Despite his obvious talent, Camavinga has never truly nailed down a guaranteed starting spot – not even during his better periods at the club.
Injuries have played their part in stunting his progress, particularly last season when he was just beginning to hit his stride before a muscular problem in Getafe effectively ended his campaign. That setback also ruled him out of the Club World Cup under then-manager Xabi Alonso.
Arbeloa’s tactical masterstroke
While Camavinga initially found himself warming the bench in Arbeloa’s first two matches (the Copa del Rey defeat to Albacete and the league match against Levante), he’s since become an integral part of the Spaniard’s plans.
Arbeloa has repositioned him as a left-sided midfielder in a trio alongside Tchouaméni and Valverde – a move that’s paying dividends. The youngster has completed three full matches and was only subbed off 13 minutes before the end against Real Sociedad, with an eye on preserving him for the upcoming Benfica clash.
Versatility proving valuable
What’s impressing Arbeloa most is Camavinga’s versatility. The Frenchman has shown he can:
- Excel as a ball-winner in midfield
- Play forward-thinking, progressive passes
- Fill in multiple positions when required
- Perform at a high level in challenging away fixtures (as demonstrated in the impressive victory at Villarreal)
The Bellingham conundrum
Camavinga’s resurgence has coincided with Jude Bellingham’s absence through injury. When the England star returns – potentially in about a month – Arbeloa will face a selection headache in midfield.
If he maintains his current form, Camavinga could be on course for his best run in the team since March 2024. After being shuffled around various positions under Xabi Alonso, including stints at right wing and left-back, he finally seems to have found his proper home in midfield.
For a player whose Madrid career has resembled a bit of a dog’s dinner at times, this consistency could be just what the doctor ordered.