The fact that Real Madrid are not yet as strong as many had expected is not only due to the coordination in the attacking line. Can Eduardo Camavinga turn things around?
The Champions League opener provided the final proof. It is more common than surprising that Real Madrid need a little time at the beginning of the league season to find each other and settle. But in their favorite competition, the Whites don’t usually let themselves be outplayed at home in the Bernabeu.
On Tuesday evening, however, the defending champions found it so difficult against the German vice-champions VfB Stuttgart that the guests almost had to take a lead at half-time. Once again, Real had problems getting a grip and maintaining control, especially in the center of the pitch – a situation that is becoming a permanent one following the retirement of Toni Kroos.
Stuttgart had more possession in the Bernabeu more possession
It was just as rare for Madrid to dominate the game for minutes on end and use their highly dangerous attackers time and again to capitalize on that dominance as it was for a well-positioned back-line of defense. Stuttgart, which even had more possession of the ball (54:46), had several promising counter-attacking opportunities.
Defensively, the Blancos, who had improved greatly in this area in recent years, are currently even more jerky than in the much-discussed offense, although Aurelien Tchouameni, Fede Valverde and returnee Jude Bellingham should be able to provide sufficient balance on paper. On the field, it looks different.
Tchouameni, the six and Casemiro heir, in particular, continues to only partially manage to provide the anchor in the style of Manchester City’s Rodri. The 24-year-old Frenchman is too careless when it comes to holding his position. Although he is gradually improving compared to the first few games, he played an outstanding through ball before the opening goal against Stuttgart. However, Tchouameni could soon lose his place in the starting lineup.
Spanish media are unanimous in reporting how much the club is looking forward to the return of Eduardo Camavinga. Tchouameni’s compatriot injured his knee shortly before the start of the season five weeks ago, and is now targeting a comeback for the city derby against Atletico (September 29). Real hopes that Camavinga, in combination with Valverde and Bellingham, will provide both more defensive stability and the control and vertical momentum in midfield that the team has lacked so far. Whether the 21-year-old can be this savior, however, remains to be seen.
