Camavinga’s Tactical Dilemma: Midfield or Defense?

Eduardo Camavinga’s journey at Real Madrid has been a rollercoaster since his much-anticipated arrival in 2021. Once hailed as one of France’s brightest football prospects, drawing comparisons to Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kanté, Camavinga now finds himself at a crossroads.

The 22-year-old midfielder has struggled to meet the lofty expectations set for him, largely due to fierce competition from teammates like Aurélien Tchouaméni and Adrien Rabiot, as well as recurring injuries that have hampered his development. Despite earning 27 caps for the French national team, Camavinga is yet to cement his place as an indispensable starter under coach Didier Deschamps. His limited playtime during the recent international break against Azerbaijan, where he featured briefly as a central midfielder, underscores the uncertainty surrounding his role.

Repositioning: A Strategic Opportunity?

In light of these challenges, Deschamps is considering a tactical shift for Camavinga, exploring the possibility of deploying him as a left-back—a position where neither Theo Hernández nor Lucas Digne have fully convinced. This potential switch, previously tested by Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid, could provide Camavinga with a strategic entry point into the national team setup. His ability to adapt across multiple positions, from defensive midfield to full-back, is a valuable asset for any team seeking balance.

The Career Dilemma

Camavinga himself has expressed reservations about this positional change, citing a lack of affinity for the left-back role. However, his tactical discipline and physical presence continue to attract attention from national selectors. His impactful performance in the 2022 World Cup final against Argentina—where his introduction revitalized France’s efforts—serves as a testament to his potential influence on the pitch.

With the 2026 World Cup looming, Camavinga faces a pivotal decision: should he strive to secure his natural position at Real Madrid, or should he embrace a new role that might guarantee him a spot in Deschamps’ squad? This duality in his career path highlights both the advantages and dilemmas of his versatility. The coming months will reveal whether Camavinga can balance personal ambition with collective needs.