Following Real Madrid’s recent Champions League victory against AEK Athens, former Atlético de Madrid midfielder Mario Suárez has publicly questioned Eduardo Camavinga’s tactical reliability. While the Spanish giants secured the win, Suárez, now serving as a consultant for Movistar, argued that Camavinga’s tendency to vacate his position creates significant defensive vulnerabilities.

Defensive gaps during the AEK Athens match

The critique centers on Real Madrid’s defensive stability during the European fixture. With Aurélien Tchouaméni rested by manager José Mourinho, Camavinga was deployed in the midfield alongside Bernardo Silva. Suárez observed that the Frenchman’s frequent forward runs left the team exposed, a factor he believes contributed to the two goals conceded by the Merengues before they mounted a comeback.

“Camavinga does not have the level to play a big match with Real Madrid because he abandons his position too often,” Suárez stated after the match. He argued that the team lacks necessary balance when Camavinga occupies the holding role, as his aggressive movement disrupts the defensive shape required against high-level opposition.

Aurélien Tchouaméni’s role as a defensive anchor

In contrast to his assessment of Camavinga, Suárez identified Aurélien Tchouaméni as an indispensable figure for the squad. According to the former Spanish international, Tchouaméni provides the structural integrity that allows his teammates to operate with greater offensive freedom.

Context of the midfield rotation

The midfielder recently drew praise for his performance against FC Barcelona in the Clásico, where he provided an assist for Kylian Mbappé. However, Suárez maintains that while Camavinga possesses superior physical attributes and a desire to join the attack, those traits do not compensate for the positional discipline he believes is required to function as the team’s sentry.

Questions regarding Real Madrid’s midfield balance

Is Eduardo Camavinga considered a permanent starter in the defensive midfield role?
According to Mario Suárez’s assessment, Camavinga does not currently offer the tactical guarantees required for that specific position in high-stakes matches, pointing to his tendency to leave his post as a liability.

Why was Aurélien Tchouaméni absent from the match against AEK Athens?
Tchouaméni was rested by manager José Mourinho for the Champions League fixture, leading to the tactical adjustments that prompted the recent commentary on the team’s defensive cohesion.

What is the primary difference identified between the two players?
Suárez argues that while Camavinga offers forward-thinking physical play, Tchouaméni is essential for maintaining a compact defensive structure that allows the rest of the team to function effectively.