Just about retaining yourself from breaking your Xbox controller after an infuriating bit of misfortune while playing FIFA, embarrassing yourself on your first night out in the pub, or sweating over your upcoming exam which, contrary to what you’ve told your parents, you’re severely underprepared for. These are some of things you may have been doing in your teenage years. Real Madrid midfielder, Eduardo Camavinga, is no normal teenager, however.
Eduardo Camavinga Real Madrid Debut Hands Midfielder the Perfect Platform
Why Real Madrid Wanted Eduardo Camavinga
The 18-year-old’s prodigal talent has been one of Europe’s worst kept secrets since he made his debut for Rennes aged 16. Indeed, Real Madrid had shown an interest in securing the prospect’s signature for a couple of years before finally acquiring his services in a deal worth up to around £34 million in this summer’s transfer window.
Subsequent to his first senior appearance in April 2019, the Frenchman became an integral part of the Rennes starting line-up. With glowingly bright performances, in which he showed his age-defying prowess at bossing midfields, dictating tempos and playing with an efficient and progressive silkiness, Camavinga helped guide the French club to their maiden Champions League campaign and earned the individual honour of being called up to the French national side – a feat he followed up by becoming his nation’s youngest appearance-maker and scorer in over a century.
So, it’s no surprise that arguably the world’s biggest club snapped him up – despite the fact he was entering the final year of his contract and could have been available for free next summer.
The Perfect Start
While there are always concerns raised with such a move – can he adapt? Will he settle? Will he be worth the money? – Camavinga shut down any doubters with the ideal performance on his debut, looking typically calm, cool and collected and even grabbing a goal to give himself the perfect platform to move forward and succeed at Real Madrid.
Replacing Eden Hazard with 25 minutes remaining on the clock, the 18-year-old couldn’t have looked more comfortable in midfield. Good movement and reading of play, composed and effective use of possession with the odd clever and skilful flick or trick showed just why Los Blancos had brought him in.
The highlight of his maiden contribution to the club was, of course, his goal. Just six minutes into his Real career, the youngster reacted first to pounce on Luka Modric’s saved effort before tapping the ball into an empty net for his side’s fifth in their 5-2 win over Celta Vigo.
Eduardo Camavinga scores just over five minutes into his Real Madrid career! 😱
Talk about a dream debut! 👏 pic.twitter.com/Ifq8THN3F4
— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) September 12, 2021
It was probably the easiest goal he’ll ever get, but one that could prove vitally important and momentous for his future at the Santiago Bernabeu.
After that moment, each deft and velvety touch on the ball he had was met with rapturous applause from the fans. It turned into a joyous occasion for those supporters, who were witnessing Real Madrid playing in their famous home ground for the first time in 18 months.
The Perfect Springboard for Success
It’s clear that the teenager has already enamoured himself to the Los Blancos faithful. And, combining a supreme natural gift for football with a respectful and determined demeanour, why wouldn’t he have?
His seamless introduction during Real’s 5-2 victory is proof that he’s the right man to receive and reignite the somewhat fading torch of an esteemed midfield.
An impressively assured first outing has set Camavinga up nicely to make this a debut season to remember and progress into a leading light of Real Madrid’s future.
Main Photo
Embed from Getty Images
