Real Madrid News
Real Madrid defender forces his way back into the picture under Mourinho after new signing’s slow start
Marc Cucurella’s arrival in the summer seemingly shut the door to any doubts on who would be the starting left-back at Real Madrid for the new season.
The defender, after all, was coming off a stunning World Cup-conquering run with the Spanish national team and even had a claim as one of the best left-backs in the world.
His start to life at his new club, however, has not been as glamorous as one would expect and the void has allowed a road back to prominence for Alvaro Carreras.
Given Cucurella’s participation in the World Cup, the player started the team’s first two games as a substitute and was gradually introduced as a starter. While he started well, his recent performances including at the derby have been disappointing.
A hard-fought competition
As reported by AS, the situation has seemingly opened the doors for Carreras who has been solid in every minute handed to him so far this season.
Cucurella’s poor form coupled with Carreras’ high level in recent weeks have created the stage for a competition not many saw coming.
Carreras, for his part, is prepared to fight hard and earn back his place as the first-choice left-back. So far, the momentum is in his favour, and the pressure on Cucurella is growing at a higher speed.
A healthy rivalry
With Cucurella starting off slow, it was Carreras who started Real Madrid’s season as the starting left-back against both Espanyol and Real Sociedad.
Cucurella, however, left a mark as a substitute in the second game and then chained three consecutive starts under his belt against Malaga, Inter Milan and Real Betis.
The manager moved the World Cup winner back to the bench for the clash against Rayo Vallecano, and Carreras made the most of it by winning a penalty and scoring once on the night.
In the most recent games, Cucurella again returned as a starter, and his performance at the derby was disastrous. Giuliano Simeone made life very difficult for the defender and dominated the flank completely for the ninety minutes.
From Mourinho’s point of view, however, it can only be good news for the position to be so hard fought. After all, it is only tough competition that brings the best out of players.
Real Madrid have an interesting selection dilemma at left-back, with Marc Cucurella and Alvaro Carreras competing for a starting spot under Jose Mourinho.
While Cucurella brings experience and an established reputation, Carreras is making an increasingly convincing case to become the team’s first-choice option.
The battle between the two Spaniards is particularly relevant given Madrid’s defensive difficulties so far this season.
Mourinho is searching for greater defensive stability and has an important choice to make between Cucurella and Carreras.
Carreras offers the defensive security Madrid need
One of Carreras’ biggest strengths is his ability to defend in one-v-one situations.
The 23-year-old generally looks comfortable against direct wingers, showing patience in his positioning and making it difficult for opponents to get past him.
That defensive reliability is particularly valuable in Mourinho’s system, where full-backs can find themselves isolated when Madrid lose possession.
Cucurella, meanwhile, has occasionally looked vulnerable against opponents attacking him directly, with space opening up for crosses from his side.
With Vinicius Junior usually playing ahead of him, the former Chelsea man does not get the defensive support he needs from his winger, leaving him isolated.
However, Carreras’ case is not built entirely on defending. He is also comfortable carrying possession forward, driving into space and helping Madrid progress down the left flank.
This makes him an attractive option for a team that has struggled to progress the ball up the pitch as consistently as they would have hoped.
Cucurella still offers qualities Mourinho values
Despite the growing case for Carreras, Cucurella should not be dismissed, and his reputation should not be forgotten.
His experience, aggressive pressing and willingness to engage opponents higher up the pitch can be useful when Madrid want to pin back the opposition.
He is also capable of moving into central areas to support possession, giving Mourinho different tactical possibilities.
However, Cucurella’s attacking contributions have not always been as influential as expected during these early weeks.
The Spaniard made a name for himself at Chelsea and with Spain by getting into attacking positions and creating chances for his teammates.
At Madrid, however, with the team looking to pass the ball quickly to runners like Vinicius and Mbappe, the best aspect of Cucurella’s game has not come to the fore.
This makes defensive solidity the primary requirement for Madrid’s left-back, and it is here that Carreras seems to have an advantage over Cucurella.
Carreras deserves an extended opportunity
At this stage, Carreras has a strong argument for becoming Madrid’s preferred left-back.
His defensive qualities appear particularly suited to the team’s immediate needs, while his ability to carry possession ensures Madrid would not sacrifice much attacking potential.
Instead of treating the left-back role as a game of musical chairs, Mourinho would be better off giving one of the two an extended run to make the position their own.
Competition for places is healthy as long as it does not breed insecurity, and at the moment, Carreras seems to be in better form than Cucurella.
It will not be easy to justify benching a summer investment, but Mourinho’s job is to make those difficult calls, and it remains to be seen how he approaches this decision.
