Real Madrid star still sees himself as a midfielder despite playing in makeshift position | OneFootball

For the third time since taking over as Real Madrid manager, Alvaro Arbeloa opted to field Eduardo Camavinga as a left-back in the game against Rayo Vallecano this past Sunday.

The first instance occurred during the Copa del Rey defeat to Albacete – Arbeloa’s first game in charge – when the French midfielder came on as a substitute to replace Fran Garcia for the final 25 minutes or so.

Following that, Camavinga started at left-back a little over a week ago in the UEFA Champions League clash against SL Benfica, before doing so again this past Sunday.

Camavinga still sees himself as a midfielder first and foremost

Despite Arbeloa’s tendency to use him as a left-back in recent weeks, Camavinga still considers himself a midfielder ‘first and foremost’ reports The Athletic.

Under the new coach, it seems like the 23-year-old Frenchman has jumped ahead of Fran Garcia in the pecking order at left-back.

Camavinga prefers to play in midfield over left-back. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

The order seems to be Alvaro Carreras, Ferland Mendy, Camavinga, and then Garcia, who had a loan move to Bournemouth blocked by the club.

Since joining Real Madrid, Camavinga has played 31 matches in the left-back position, even registering three assists from there.

While not entirely consistent, he has shown enough aptitude in the position, with France manager Didier Deschamps also using him in the role on occasions.

However, Camavinga is firm that even though multiple managers have now used him at left-back, his preferred role is in midfield.

Given the competition for places in the middle of the park, minutes have not been easy for the Frenchman, but the recent injury to Jude Bellingham could open the doors for him to play in his main position.