José Mourinho is considering handing Eduardo Camavinga a starting role against Barcelona, in a potential surprise within Real Madrid’s plan for the upcoming El Clásico at the Camp Nou.
According to the newspaper Marca, the French midfielder’s stock has risen within the coaching staff’s calculations, as they believe his characteristics match the nature of the match, despite the limited opportunities he received at the start of the season.
The idea is based on utilizing Camavinga’s physical strength and ability to carry the ball and break pressing lines, allowing Real Madrid to quickly turn possession recovery into fast counter-attacks targeting the spaces behind Barcelona’s players.
On the other hand, Mourinho is leaning toward locking in Federico Valverde at right-back following his recent performances, a decision that provides the team with strength on that flank and opens up space to redistribute roles within the midfield.
Aurélien Tchouaméni remains a fixed element in the heart of the plan, while Arda Güler is expected to start on the right flank with the freedom to drift inside, creating a numerical advantage and opening up attacking channels for his teammates.
As for Yan Diomandé, he gains added importance on the opposite flank, as the coaching staff relies on his defensive assistance to the full-back against Lamine Yamal, alongside his ability to drive forward with the ball when transitional attacking opportunities arise.
The identity of the center-back pair remains the most prominent open file for Mourinho, who tested some of his options during the 4-1 victory over RB Leipzig, a match in which Camavinga featured alongside Bernardo Silva in the midfield.
Real Madrid enters El Clásico trailing Barcelona by six points, giving the manager’s choices doubled importance; a victory brings them closer to the summit, while defeat means the gap widens to nine points early in the league race.
