Carreras aim to prove he's more than a luxury substitute during preseason under Mourinho

According to AS, Álvaro Carreras is using the preseason to convince Mourinho that he deserves more than a luxury substitute role at Real Madrid.

The left-back, who impressed at Benfica, returned to Real Madrid for €50 million. Last season, Real Madrid re-signed the academy product, who had departed before the 2020 season, to strengthen their left-back position. After a season with more struggles than highlights, the club invested another €55 million to sign Cucurella, fresh off a World Cup victory. As planned, the Ferrol-born fullback was set to begin the new season as a substitute.

However, he is using the preseason to prove to Mourinho that he will not accept a substitute role. Now is the time to make his case. The Galician fullback reported for the first day of preseason and has been consistently performing. He started and played the full match in training games against Alcorcón and Leganés, as well as the first official preseason friendly against Fiorentina.

Against the Italian side, he provided the assist for the opening goal: a precise low cross that found Endrick near the box, who powered it in to give the team an early lead. Late in the match, with Lamine Faty coming on, Mourinho also tested Carreras in a more advanced position, suggesting another tactical option—the team could employ a double-wing setup with him in a more offensive role.

Carreras represents exactly the type of player Real Madrid needed to sign. As a young academy product who had to leave due to limited opportunities, he then played for Manchester United, Granada, and Preston North End before finding his footing in Lisbon. At Benfica, he developed into one of Europe's most promising left-backs and gained prominence in the knockout match against Barcelona, where he effectively limited Yamal throughout. Real Madrid acted decisively to secure him. However, his first season failed to meet expectations. He started promisingly, displaying composure on the ball and delivering quality crosses into the box.

He scored his first goal for Real Madrid in the 11th league match against Valencia, helping the team to a 4-0 victory. His powerful shot went straight into the top corner past goalkeeper Unai Agirrezabala. At the time, both the club and supporters held high hopes for the new left-back. But like the rest of the team, his form gradually declined. After Arbeloa's arrival, his playing time diminished. In crucial Champions League matches against Manchester City and Bayern Munich, the coach favored Mendy. He only returned to action after the French left-back suffered an injury, playing in the first leg against Bayern, where he struggled against Olise.

Now entering his second season at Real Madrid, Carreras faces less pressure but also reduced playing time. However, this situation appears to have motivated the Galician. This summer, he has intensified his physical preparation, and his improved physique is evident. Mourinho is pleased with his preseason performance and values his contributions to all matches.

Real Madrid has conceded 3 goals during preseason, none attributable to Carreras. During the international break when players were absent, he partnered with academy players Alexis Ciria and Gabri Barral on the left flank, constantly setting them up and building their confidence. Since his positional rivals are arriving later—Cucurella is not expected back until August 10th—Carreras has nearly the entire preseason to prove he merits regular playing time.

With Cucurella, signed this summer for €55 million, only recently joining, Carreras is likely to start the season as a regular. Yet he is proving in preseason that he will not settle for a substitute role; he is determined to convince Mourinho that he is ready to compete for the starting position.

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