Pressure mounting on Real Madrid youngster over starting role as Alonso struggles to define his position | OneFootball

According to a report from AS, Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga is still battling to regain his form and rhythm after a year plagued by injuries.

The report also highlights that amid the midfielder’s struggles, manager Xabi Alonso continues to evaluate how best to fit the Frenchman into his system, as competition for midfield spots intensifies at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Camavinga’s situation is far from ideal. Since recovering from a long injury layoff, he has managed just 76 minutes of playing time, spread across a handful of matches against Espanyol, Levante, Villarreal, and others.

It has now been over five months since he last started a game for Real Madrid, a stark reminder of how much ground he needs to recover.

Mounting challenge on Camavinga

Last season, the Frenchman endured four separate injuries. Those setbacks prevented him from building rhythm and consistency, key traits that once made him one of Madrid’s most energetic and versatile midfielders.

Furthermore, his absence also meant he was not fully involved in the early stages of Alonso’s tenure.

Now, Arda Guler’s rapid rise has added even more competition for a place in the midfield, making Camavinga’s task tougher.

Camavinga needs to fight for his place. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

As a result, Alonso is still trying to decide exactly where Camavinga fits in – whether as a deep-lying midfielder or in a more dynamic role.

However, without full fitness and rhythm, breaking back into the starting lineup remains a challenge.

Callup from France

Adding to his problems, Didier Deschamps has called him up for international duty with France, despite his lack of match time.

While it is usually an honour to represent his country, this call-up might not be ideal for Camavinga right now. With limited playing time behind him, the risk of re-injury or fatigue looms large.

Meanwhile, Madrid’s regular starters, including Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, and Aurelien Tchouameni, are all resting.

That means Camavinga’s absence during this international break could further set him back in Alonso’s rotation.

At just 22, Camavinga still has time on his side, but he needs rhythm, confidence, and consistent minutes to reclaim his place, something that he is eager to do.