Xabi Alonso has an ace up his sleeve, the player who could change everything

While Real Madrid's footballers are still making the most of their vacations, many people at the Valdebebas Sports City are still working hard to shape the first team. The arrival of Xabi Alonso has completely changed the roadmap that was initially planned for the 25/26 soccer season, as seen with the four signings made so far.

In addition to those additions and some departures still pending, including the ongoing sagas surrounding Vinícius and Rodrygo Goes, the situation of some Madrid footballers must also be clarified. Above all, those who haven't enjoyed prominenceduring the Club World Cup: Eduardo Camavinga is one of the most frequently mentioned names.

After all, the French "6" occupies a position that seems to be assigned to his compatriot: Aurélien Tchouaméni. The evolution of the French "14" during 2025 has culminated in a good Club World Cup, which has convinced Xabi Alonso of the urgent need to count on him. The Ruan stopper is a key piece to keep order and balance in the first team, no matter what tactical scheme is being used at that moment.

That's why Xabi Alonso still doesn't know what role to assign to Eduardo Camavinga. The midfielder of Angolan descent has a much more energetic and active profile than his teammate and compatriot, a style completely different from the defensive strength promised by the Madrid "14". 

The big question of the summer

That will be one of the big debates that the Tolosa coach will have to solve with the help of his coaching staff. For now, they aren't considering moving him to left back due to the presence of up to three footballers for that position next season: Álvaro Carreras, Fran García, and Ferland Mendy. That's why the only option for the white "6" is the midfield.

It's not easy to secure a spot in that area of the field either. In addition to the fierce competition posed by Aurélien Tchouaméni, footballers like Fede Valverde and Jude Bellingham are undisputed starters. Arda Güler has recently joined them, given that Xabi Alonso designated the Turkish "15" as the one in charge of handling the ball and directing the team's play.

Given these circumstances, Xabi Alonso will have to think about what to do with Eduardo Camavinga. The proven versatility of the Madrid "6" in the center of the field, even though his preferred position is as a pivot, prevents him from being left out of that decision-making process. However, the starting eleven of the Tolosa coach seems to be well defined, and Camavinga isn't among those chosen.

He could still follow in Brahim Díaz's footsteps and establish himself, as happened during Carlo Ancelotti's tenure, as a top-level substitute, an occasional starter but truly reliable. It remains to be seen what decision Xabi Alonso, who still has to solve the inclusion of another pivot in his plans for next season, will make.