How Alonso plans to shuffle Real Madrid midfield after return of French international | OneFootball

The return of Eduardo Camavinga from injury brings a first competitor for Aurelien Tchouameni who has been enjoying the position of an undisputed starter in recent months.

While the Frenchman has indeed backed his place in the lineup with solid performances, Camavinga’s return provides Xabi Alonso with a valuable rotational option for the defensive midfield – something crucial in the hectic schedule underway.

The big question for the manager, however, is how he plans to utilise the duo and Defensa Central reveals the idea he has in the back of his mind.

A combinatorial approach

Camavinga made his return from injury in Real Madrid win vs Espanyol. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)

As relayed by the Spanish outlet, Alonso sees Tchouameni and Camavinga capable of playing together as the team’s double-pivot given that their profiles complement each other. They will, thus, play some games together in the coming months.

Concurrently, however, it is likely that the manager’s preferred approach will be to start either one of the two stars in every game despite their relatively different profiles.

After all, it is only sustainable that they alternate or play without the other to ensure that at least one of them is fit and fresh for every game. That forms the foundation of Alonso’s rotation policy.

Initially, Tchouameni is likely to continue enjoying the prominence he currently sees under Alonso given that his performances have been spectacular. Camavinga will have to toil to earn his place back as a regular, but he will get more chances as the manager rotates.

So far this season, Tchouameni has started all five of Real Madrid’s games and averages 90 minutes per game. In that duration, he has completed close to 11 defensive actions per game, 3.4 ball recoveries per 90, and has completed 93% of his passes.