Eduardo Camavinga won a record-breaking 18 duels at left-back for France against Tunisia

Eduardo Camavinga made a significant impact for France against Tunisia despite being deployed in the unfamiliar position of left-back. 

The 20-year-old Real Madrid player, who is one of the standout prospects in world football, usually plays as a central midfielder.

However, with France’s place in the knockout stages already secure, Didier Deschamps elected to rotate his team for the final group game against Tunisia. 

Eduardo Camavinga made 18 interceptions in France’s World Cup defeat against Tunisia

That included using Camavinga out of position, and the youngster acquitted himself well, winning 18 duels. 

Sofascore reported that Camavinga’s tally is the highest amount of duels won by a Frenchman in a single World Cup match in their database, which goes back to the 1966 World Cup. 

The midfielder impressed despite the fact that he ws deployed out of position at left-back

Camavinga’s achievement is all the more notable given that it was the first time he has played at left-back in his professional career, with all of his other 153 appearances having come in his preferred central midfield position.

Despite Camavinga’s display, France ended up losing 1-0, with Wahbi Khazri scoring for Tunisia. France’s Antoine Griezmann had a late goal ruled out by VAR.  

France coach Didier Deschamps rotated his team as they were beaten 1-0 by Tunisia

France still progressed as group winners and will take on Poland on Sunday in the last 16.  

Camavinga’s appearance against Tunisia was his first for France at a major tournament and he will hope to receive further minutes later in the competition.