Real Madrid Push Their Left Backs Aside as Camavinga Takes Control

Real Madrid currently have three natural left backs in their squad, yet none has managed to secure a regular spot in the starting eleven. Instead, the coaching staff has chosen Eduardo Camavinga to occupy the left-back position, a decision that highlights a clear trend: sidelining traditional specialists in that role.

Neither Álvaro Carreras nor Fran García has enjoyed consistent minutes. Both have been pushed aside in favor of a midfielder playing out of position. While tactical context explains part of the decision, the growing lack of trust in natural left backs is becoming increasingly evident.

The current system prioritizes fullbacks who tuck into midfield during the attacking phase. Within that framework, Camavinga offers ball progression, control, and tactical versatility. The coaching staff believes this profile fits their footballing vision more effectively. As a result, pure left backs have lost ground in the rotation.

Carreras’ situation marks a clear turning point. Not long ago, he was considered a fixed starter, sharing prominence with players like Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior, and Kylian Mbappé. That status no longer holds.

Carreras lost his starting role after the match in Lisbon. The coaching staff chose not to reinstate him in the following game, once again opting for Camavinga at left back. The decision raised eyebrows and reinforced the idea that the position no longer belongs to natural defenders.

Fran García’s case is even more restrictive. Since the managerial change, he has logged just 80 minutes of playing time—a negligible share of the total available minutes. His involvement has been limited to brief, isolated appearances with no continuity.

Even in favorable circumstances, he has failed to break into the starting lineup. When Carreras was suspended against AS Monaco, Fran García still was not the first choice. The sporting message within the squad is unmistakable: the coaching staff does not trust its left backs.

Waiting in the wings is Ferland Mendy. The French defender is nearing the final stage of his recovery, with a potential return to the squad for the trip to Mestalla. His comeback will reopen the debate, but it does not guarantee an immediate shift in Real Madrid’s approach.