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Brighton & Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson has named Real Madrid's Eduardo Camavinga as the toughest player he has faced in his career. The French midfielder is now a first-team regular for Los Blancos and remains one of their most important players.
Camavinga picked up a knock on the eve of the UEFA Super Cup against Atalanta on August 14. The 21-year-old subsequently missed the start of the season and only returned to action for the La Liga giants this month.
Speaking recently to ESPN UK, Ferguson was full of praise for Camavinga.
“Toughest player I faced? Camavinga. He’s a joke,” said Ferguson.
Ferguson locked heads with Camavinga during a European qualifier between Ireland and France in 2023. It was the Real Madrid man who had the last laugh, as Les Bleus won the game 1-0.
Camavinga first rose to prominence with Rennes, rising through the ranks at the club before breaking into the first team. His efforts earned him a move to the Santiago Bernabeu in 2021. The La Liga champions fought off competition from multiple clubs across the continent to secure the highly-rated youngster.
Camavinga has grown in leaps and bounds with Los Blancos so far. Last season, the Frenchman registered 46 appearances across competitions for Real Madrid, operating in midfield as well as left-back. His versatility has made him an asset under Carlo Ancelotti
Eduardo Camavinga could help Real Madrid deal with Toni Kroos' absence
Real Madrid bid adieu to Toni Kroos at the end of last season. The legendary German midfielder hung up his boots after Euro 2024, leaving a gaping hole in Los Blancos' midfield.
Kroos arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2014 and proceeded to etch his name in gold. The German midfielder went on to appear 465 times across competitions, registering 28 goals and 99 assists.
Last season, the 34-year-old registered 48 appearances across competitions for the La Liga champions, 35 of which were starts. Kroos also registered one goal and 10 assists. He left football at the peak of his game, but Real Madrid decided against signing a replacement over the summer.
Federico Valverde was handed the fabled No. 8 shirt previously worn by the German. The Uruguayan is already tasked with replacing the legendary midfielder.
However, Eduardo Camavinga could also play a big role in helping the club deal with Kroos' absence. The Frenchman's versatility, coupled with his work ethic, could help fill the void from the German's departure at the Santiago Bernabeu.
