Marc Cucurella 's arrival in the summer seemingly shut the door to any doubts on who would be the starting left-back at Real Madrid for the new season.
The defender, after all, was coming off a stunning World Cup-conquering run with the Spanish national team and even had a claim as one of the best left-backs in the world.
His start to life at his new club, however, has not been as glamorous as one would expect and the void has allowed a road back to prominence for Alvaro Carreras .
Given Cucurella's participation in the World Cup, the player started the team's first two games as a substitute and was gradually introduced as a starter. While he started well, his recent performances including at the derby have been disappointing.
As reported by AS , the situation has seemingly opened the doors for Carreras who has been solid in every minute handed to him so far this season.
Carreras has stepped up his game. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
Cucurella's poor form coupled with Carreras' high level in recent weeks have created the stage for a competition not many saw coming.
Carreras, for his part, is prepared to fight hard and earn back his place as the first-choice left-back. So far, the momentum is in his favour, and the pressure on Cucurella is growing at a higher speed.
With Cucurella starting off slow, it was Carreras who started Real Madrid's season as the starting left-back against both Espanyol and Real Sociedad .
Cucurella is yet to discover his best version. (Photo by Mateo Villalba Sanchez/Getty Images)
Cucurella, however, left a mark as a substitute in the second game and then chained three consecutive starts under his belt against Malaga, Inter Milan and Real Betis .
The manager moved the World Cup winner back to the bench for the clash against Rayo Vallecano , and Carreras made the most of it by winning a penalty and scoring once on the night.
In the most recent games, Cucurella again returned as a starter, and his performance at the derby was disastrous. Giuliano Simeone made life very difficult for the defender and dominated the flank completely for the ninety minutes.
From Mourinho's point of view, however, it can only be good news for the position to be so hard fought. After all, it is only tough competition that brings the best out of players.
