The mystery of the ‘three’ at Real Madrid

A squad with three left-backs … and Camavinga plays. That is the mystery of the left-back position – a role that has gone from overbooking to open question. 

At times, it has been resolved by Arbeloa’s ruling: with Carreras and Fran García both available, he chooses Cama. The decision has a tactical explanation that goes beyond favoritism: in his system, full-backs often operate as auxiliary midfielders, and someone with a refined touch fits perfectly – redundancy intended. But the call goes further than tactics. There is a lack of trust, a loss of credit. And it is unmistakable.

That loss of confidence is most striking in the case of Carreras. He had been seated at the table of the “undroppables” – the players Arbeloa wants “always on the field.” That group was completed by Bellingham, Vinicius and Mbappé. All of them had played every minute under the new coach, from Albacete through to Rayo Vallecano. Then came the change.Carreras, if not exactly singled out, emerged shaken from the night in Lisbon and was left on the bench. His place was taken by a converted midfielder. The decision raised eyebrows in every direction.

Fran García, 80 minutes

The reality is that Carreras has lost credit. At the very least, he is no longer guaranteed a seat at that top table. His starting role is now governed by the most basic principle: meritocracy. And the comparison is with teammates who are in a worse position. On one side is Fran García, who has played just 80 minutes under Arbeloa. To put it more clearly, he has featured for only 15% of the available minutes since the coaching change (540). Of those, 65 came against Albacete. Since then, just a quarter of an hour – literally.

And that is despite Carreras being suspended against Monaco and then staying on the bench last Sunday. Even in those circumstances, Fran did not start. García maintains his professionalism day to day. At Valdebebas he is praised as an exemplary pro – a quiet worker, a club man. Still, he is human, and the situation hurts. In total, he has logged 701 minutes this season.

On hold

At the same time, everything is on standby awaiting Mendy. He is entering the final stretch of his recovery and throwing down the gauntlet. There is uncertainty over the role Arbeloa has in mind for him once he is available – which should be soon. The plan is for him to make the squad for Mestalla, though he will not start, and from there compete on equal terms.The priority for everyone is to avoid a relapse,but the signs are very encouraging.

“I don’t like it”

In the meantime, the solution is as complex as it is surprising: three left-backs … and a converted midfielder plays. It is eye-catching. Disorienting. And it is a position the player himself does not enjoy. “Everybody knows I don’t like playing at left-back; but if I have to play there, even if it’s not where I’m happiest, I’ll do it,” he said in 2023, when he first began to appear in a role he still occupies. Arbeloa is backing Camavinga. He is his No. 3 among three No. 3s.