What Florentino Pérez has refused to do for years, he made up for in a few weeks this Summer. Real Madrid welcomed Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and now Álvaro Carreras in the first weeks of the Summer transfer window. A clear indication that Madrid have accepted that defence makes the difference between runner-ups and winners.
Unlike the other two defenders, the Spaniard is not a major household name in Europe. Who is Álvaro Carreras, and is he the left-back Madrid need?
Ferland Mendy was limited
Madrid have been missing a quality left-back in recent years, more specifically since Marcelo’s exit. He struggled to track back, but would have been a helpful left-back to accompany Vinicius Jr. Florentino Pérez opted for a defensive full-back in Ferland Mendy, who could withstand any attacker. He was believed to be the ideal rock in the defence.
Ferland Mendy yesterday. 🤕 pic.twitter.com/XRHwrguIVT
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) May 25, 2025
While true that his physique allowed him to confront any offensive player, his lack of attacking involvement became an issue for Vinicius Jr, who needed a partner in wide areas to stretch the backline. Madrid first opted for Alphonso Davies, but his contract extension led to the club looking at Álvaro Carreras instead.
Carreras comes from an excellent season at Benfica. He was immediately granted a starting position, replacing Alejandro Grimaldo, who left for Leverkusen. He does not strike as a particularly apt player on the offence or the defence, instead taking on a balanced role.
🇪🇸🟢 Álvaro Carreras (Benfica, 22)
🇪🇸🟠 Fran García (Real Madrid, 25)
🇫🇷🔵 Ferland Mendy (Real Madrid, 29)Compare players 👉 https://t.co/McR5zrPkTO pic.twitter.com/PDZ0zP4TI5
— DataMB (@DataMB_) May 15, 2025
Álvaro relies on reading his opponent’s game in order to prevent them from attacking the wing, using his intuition instead of his feet. He’s not the type of defender to tackle or go for risky challenges. He opts for a more conservative approach instead. This could come in handy for a team who lacked balance in transitions, especially in Carlo Ancelotti’s last term.
Xabi Alonso’s very own Grimaldo
His different profile could be key in Xabi Alonso’s puzzle. The Spaniard relied on Grimaldo on the left as a player who tends to attack, but is able to track back in time. Carreras is undoubtedly more defence-oriented, although it could change depending on Alonso’s approach with him.
Álvaro was one of the few who came close to stopping Lamine Yamal from dominating the wing, only rarely resorting to tackles. He excels in stopping pacey wingers from progressing down the game, placing his feet between his opponent’s dribbles at the right time.
Con Tchouaméni siendo esa pieza clave que juegue como líbero o pivote. O incluso Carreras metiéndose como tercer central por la izquierda.
Una plantilla equilibrada en roles y rica en todo tipo de recursos. Firmo donde haga falta. pic.twitter.com/xfBe8tAynx
— Álvaro Escorial (@escorial_alvaro) May 28, 2025
Offensively, Álvaro Carreras is unlikely to regularly overlap with Vinicius Jr, which could have been an ideal asset. However, his passing skills have been a significant aspect in his gameplay.
He recorded one of the highest numbers when it comes to passing, marking himself as an assertive full-back going forward. It could be a decisive aspect of his game for Xabi Alonso, who used this as an additional resource in his spider web.
A brutal change
Despite that, Carreras is far from securing his starter spot from the beginning of the season. The reality of playing for Benfica and Real Madrid could not be more different, where Álvaro will face the pressure of the most demanding fans in the world. He’s not the first player to come to Madrid after an excellent term at another club, a change which has been brutal for others in the past.
🚨 BREAKING: Alvaro Carreras to Real Madrid: THE DEAL IS BEING FINALIZED! @marca pic.twitter.com/0JxZ8ILfe4
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) June 5, 2025
Such was the case of Fran García, who joined Real after a brilliant spell with Rayo Vallecano. Although his only competition had been Ferland Mendy, he still hasn’t found his place at the club. A switch to the capital can be a difficult change, especially with the differences in the club culture.
On the other hand, it should be remembered that Álvaro Carreras knows the team dynamics more than any other youngsters. He spent three years in Madrid’s academy, La Fábrica. Though he could not make the jump to the first team, his tactical intelligence improved significantly since he joined Benfica.
❗️Official: Álvaro Carreras was selected as one of the best defenders in the 2024/2025 Liga Portugal by captains and coaches. pic.twitter.com/U8UzHozkph
— Madrid Universal (@MadridUniversal) June 5, 2025
This is important in Xabi Alonso’s system, which involves strategic thinking from all players. He’s also one to bring crosses to the table, which Mendy or Fran García were often reluctant to do, especially in the final third.
A similar situation
Benfica have faced similar challenges to Madrid in the league, especially when it comes to breaking down compact formations. Carreras will be tasked with solving complex tactical problems with the ball, as La Liga is full of deep blocks from lower teams. His creativity and crosses will come in handy in the final third, where Real Madrid have traditionally lacked a good full-back.
🎯 Top 5 League U23 FB: Progressive passing
1️⃣ Nuno Mendes
2️⃣ Álvaro Carreras📊 https://t.co/McR5zrPkTO pic.twitter.com/vpINcj1D2A
— DataMB (@DataMB_) June 1, 2025
Álvaro is not afraid of moving around in the penalty box during strategic rotations in order to displace his marker. This is a tactical element Madrid have not seen from their full-backs since Marcelo’s exit. It could combine well with Jude Bellingham’s permutations.
Not the best full-back, but the ideal one for Alonso
Álvaro Carreras is no Alphonso Davies, and isn’t the best defensive player. Instead, he combined the best of both worlds, capable of adapting according to the team’s context. For a side like Madrid, which doesn’t obsess over possession but can deploy different approaches according to their opponent, a versatile player like Carreras is a blessing.
Xabi Alonso is likely to demand more offensive work from the player, which should be a matter of adjustment.
Alvaro Carreras’ stats vs. Monaco:
69 touches
5 tackles attempted
3 tackles won
2 dribbles
2 chances created
1 assist
0.49 xAQuality assist from deep for Benfica’s tie-winning goal. 🅰️ pic.twitter.com/uJUHnYLOWD
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) February 18, 2025
The Spaniard has demonstrated in the Champions League that he is up to the challenge, capable of attacking when necessary. Alonso needs tactically rich players who can interpret complex compact blocks.
This is an aspect Real Madrid have lacked over the past decade. Carreras may need to stay back, given that Trent Alexander-Arnold will probably play higher up. Álvaro will continue to play in a “balancing” role, which is something he’s already familiar with.
In many ways, Álvaro Carreras is the perfect full-back for Xabi Alonso’s Madrid. Should he settle well, he could also be key in unlocking Vinicius’ potential, who struggled last season to replicate his prior self.
