Alvaro Carreras returned to Real Madrid from SL Benfica last summer in a €50 million move, with the club bringing back one of its former academy graduates after his impressive spell in Portugal.
However, after an underwhelming first season, Real Madrid responded by signing World Cup winner Marc Cucurella for another €55 million, creating fierce competition at left-back.
On paper, Carreras begins the new campaign as the second-choice option, but the Spanish defender has used pre-season to show he has no intention of accepting that status without a fight, reports AS.
Making the most of every opportunity
Carreras reported on the first day of pre-season and has featured heavily ever since.
He started both behind-closed-doors friendlies against Alcorcon and Leganes, before completing the full 90 minutes in Real Madrid’s first official pre-season match against Fiorentina.
His biggest contribution came in that game when he provided the assist for Endrick’s opening goal, delivering a precise low cross that the Brazilian striker converted from close range.
Not going down without a fight. (Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images)
Late in the match, after Lamini Fati came on, Jose Mourinho pushed Carreras further forward, hinting at another possible tactical role for the defender if Real Madrid opt to use two attack-minded full-backs to close out matches.
A difficult first season
Carreras returned to Real Madrid as one of the club’s long-term investments.
After leaving the academy due to limited opportunities, he spent time with Manchester United, Granada, and Preston North End before establishing himself at Benfica, where he emerged as one of Europe’s most promising young left-backs.
His performances, including an impressive display against Barcelona in which he successfully contained Lamine Yamal, convinced Los Blancos to bring him back. His first season, however, failed to meet expectations.
Carreras made an encouraging start, impressing with his composure in possession and dangerous low deliveries into the penalty area. Like much of the squad, though, his form gradually declined.
After Alvaro Arbeloa took charge, Carreras lost his place, with Ferland Mendy preferred for major Champions League fixtures against Manchester City and Bayern Munich.
A fresh start under Mourinho
Eager to impress. (Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images)
Carreras now enters his second season at Real Madrid. He faces less external pressure than a year ago, but also the prospect of fewer minutes because of Cucurella’s arrival.
Rather than discouraging him, that challenge appears to have motivated the defender. Throughout the summer, he has worked extensively on his physical condition, returning noticeably stronger and more muscular.
Mourinho has shown confidence in him by starting him in every pre-season match, and significantly, none of the three goals Madrid have conceded this summer have come through errors on Carreras’ side.
Cucurella’s arrival is expected to reduce Carreras’ playing time over the course of the season.
Even so, the former Benfica defender has made one thing clear throughout pre-season. He has no intention of accepting the role of luxury backup, and is determined to convince Mourinho that he deserves to fight for the starting spot.
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