Real Madrid News
Stats: Real Madrid star makes immediate impact for France with lively cameo against Italy
Real Madrid star Eduardo Camavinga has enjoyed an impressive international break with France, making up for the World Cup he missed out on.
He did not need much time to make his presence felt for France against Italy, producing an impressive 14-minute cameo in the Nations League encounter.
The Los Blancos midfielder entered late in the contest but immediately became involved, registering two shots on target and creating one chance while barely putting a foot wrong in possession.
Camavinga wastes no time
Camavinga completed nine of his 10 attempted passes and succeeded with his only dribble.
The 23-year-old was equally effective when challenged, winning both of his duels. He also recorded one recovery and two clearances during his short appearance.
🚨🇫🇷 Eduardo Camavinga's performance against Italy:
— Madrid Universal (@MadridUniversal) October 2, 2026
• 14 minutes played
• 2 shots on target
• 1 chance created
• 9/10 passes completed
• 100% dribbles completed (1/1)
• 100% duels won (2/2)
• 1 recovery
• 2 clearances. pic.twitter.com/9PWVZYNooS
Two shots on target in only 14 minutes are particularly noteworthy. Camavinga is not generally judged by his goal threat but showed a willingness to attack the box.
It followed his strong performance against Belgium earlier in the international window, when he completed 62 of 66 passes, created three chances and won six ground duels.
Another reminder for Mourinho
For Jose Mourinho, these international performances should be encouraging.
Real Madrid have considerable midfield competition, with Aurelien Tchouameni, Fede Valverde and Bernardo Silva among the options available alongside Camavinga.
Camavinga, however, offers a skill set that is hard to replicate. His ability to carry the ball through pressure, cover ground defensively and operate in several midfield roles gives Mourinho considerable tactical flexibility.
Fourteen minutes against Italy is obviously too small a sample size. However, viewed alongside the Belgium performance, it becomes much more encouraging.
Camavinga took responsibility in the minutes he was given. He demanded possession, progressed play and tested the goalkeeper twice.
Camavinga will return to Madrid facing fierce competition for minutes, but performances like this could strengthen his case.
Fede Valverde is currently nursing an injury and Aurelien Tchouameni has just returned from one. Meanwhile, Bernardo Silva has not exactly set the stage alight at the Bernabeu.
With Mourinho still trying to identify his preferred midfield duo, the door remains open for the Frenchman, and it remains to be seen how his role in the team develops.
Real Madrid have identified the midfield department as a key area of the squad that needs strengthening next year.
Having failed to sign Rodri this past summer, the Merengues understand that a major signing is necessary in the position.
Several names have already been linked as potential targets for the Spanish capital club, one of whom happens to be AFC Bournemouth rising star Alex Scott.
Indeed, Real Madrid have scouted the England international this season and are continuing to closely monitor his development in the Premier League.
However, competition for the 23-year-old midfielder’s services is already heating up.
AC Milan eye Alex Scott
Indeed, according to Tutto Mercato (h/t AS), Italian giants AC Milan have set their sights on Scott to replace Real Madrid legend Luka Modric next season.
Modric, at 41, is entering the final phase of his career and his contract with the Rossoneri stands to expire at the end of the ongoing campaign.
As such, the Serie A heavyweights will need to rope in a replacement and have seemingly identified Scott, who is also on Real Madrid’s radar, as an option.
Apart from AC Milan, even Chelsea and Liverpool have also shown interest in the 23-year-old England star, and might even be willing to make a move for him in January.
This complicates the situation for Real Madrid, who would ideally wait until the summer of 2027 to reinforce their midfield unit.
€50 million for Scott?
Furthermore, the report states that Scott is valued by Bournemouth at around €50 million, a fee that could be an issue for AC Milan.
That figure, however, should not pose a challenge for Real Madrid. Nonetheless, the increasing competition for the 23-year-old’s services could drive up the price further, making things complicated.
For now, though, Real Madrid’s interest in Scott has been limited to scouting and monitoring his progress and compiling reports on him.
Whether it translates into a formal approach and offer in the summer or in January itself remains to be seen.
