Real Madrid midfielder has fallen down the pecking order amid questionable form | OneFootball

Following Toni Kroos’ retirement last summer, this season was expected to be one where Eduardo Camavinga steps up and assumes a more prominent role at Real Madrid.

However, things have hardly gone according to plans for the 22-year-old midfielder, with injuries and lack of form contributing to his struggles this season.

Camavinga drops down the pecking order

Indeed, as highlighted by MARCA, Camavinga has not made the expected impact and has remained on the fringes of a season where much more was anticipated from him.

Having been tipped to take a bigger role in Kroos’ absence and Luka Modric’s reduced involvement, Camavinga now finds himself behind Dani Ceballos, who came very close to being sold last summer.

One of the main reasons for the French international’s struggles has been his lack of continuity. A disrupted season has left him off the pace. He entered pre-season as an undisputed starter, but an early injury sidelined him for over a month.

On his return, he put in a lacklustre display against Lille and conceded a needless penalty, leading to Real Madrid’s first defeat of the season.

Struggling. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Another injury in late November forced him to miss another two weeks, stalling his progress once more.

After his return, inconsistency continued to plague his performances, marked by uncharacteristic errors – a penalty conceded in the Spanish Super Cup final vs Barcelona, and a mistake vs. Celta Vigo sparking their comeback in the Copa del Rey.

To make matters worse, he suffered a third injury of the season ruling him out for another three weeks. Camavinga has now missed and 19 matches due to injury, making him the fourth-most sidelined player in the squad behind David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, and Eder Militao.

Since his latest comeback, Camavinga has again looked out of sorts, and Ceballos has gradually overtaken him in Ancelotti’s midfield hierarchy. Against Osasuna, he conceded his third penalty of the season, once again costing Real Madrid points.

The game against Manchester City was a disappointing one as well, as not only was he left on the bench, but his brief appearance on the pitch saw him receive a scolding from his teammates for a reckless challenge, risking a booking and potential suspension.

Camavinga’s talent is unquestionable, but his season has been marred by injuries, mistakes, and inconsistency. Now, the challenge for him is to find a way back to his best.