Dani Carvajal’s injury has sparked significant discussions at Real Madrid. While Lucas Vazquez is currently filling the right-back role, the long-term plan for the club must involve finding a replacement for Carvajal by the summer of 2025.
As the veteran defender approaches the twilight of his career, it is crucial for Madrid to think beyond short-term solutions and make concrete plans for the future.
Real Madrid’s management has a clear understanding that the right-back position needs reinforcement, and 2025 is seen as the pivotal moment to secure a new player for this role.
However, this does not mean they should wait until then to consider potential options. In fact, the club should already be planning for the future, especially considering that some top players will be nearing the end of their contracts.
By January, Real Madrid will be able to engage in negotiations with these players, making it the perfect opportunity to strike a deal.
In this regard, three potential right-back alternatives are worth considering, each offering unique qualities that could benefit the team.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
One of the most talked-about names in the football world is Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool. His contract with the English club runs until 2025, but so far, there has been no concrete indication that he intends to renew it.
This uncertainty over his future has led to much speculation, with many clubs keeping a close eye on him, including Real Madrid.
Alexander-Arnold is highly regarded for his ability to contribute to both the defensive and attacking phases of the game. His attacking prowess is one of his strongest attributes, particularly his ability to create goal-scoring opportunities.
His passing and vision allow him to be heavily involved in the build-up play, making him a crucial asset in the final third of the field.
What sets him apart from other full-backs is his technical ability and his calmness in possession.
His low fouling rate of just 0.31 fouls per game and a caution rate of only 0.23 yellow cards per game suggest that he prefers to focus on his technical game rather than getting involved in physical battles.
While this makes him a creative force on the pitch, it also means he may be more vulnerable defensively, which is something Real Madrid would need to address if they were to pursue him.
Joshua Kimmich
Another strong candidate is Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich, a player who has consistently been one of the most versatile and talented footballers in Europe.
Kimmich’s versatility is one of his greatest strengths, and while he is primarily a midfielder, he has proven his ability to play at right-back as well.
Although Kimmich is nearing 30 years of age, his experience, leadership, and footballing intelligence make him an appealing option for Real Madrid.
Last season, Kimmich demonstrated his ability to play in multiple positions, including right-back, particularly during the Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid.
His adaptability makes him a valuable asset to any team, and despite being utilised in midfield under Vincent Kompany this season, his past performances as a full-back cannot be overlooked.
The German is known for his ball progression, averaging 19 progressive runs per 90 minutes, which shows his ability to influence the game from deeper positions.
He offers a more direct impact on the game, making him an excellent choice for Real Madrid if they want a right-back who can contribute both defensively and offensively.
Unlike Carvajal, who primarily focuses on defensive duties, Kimmich brings creativity and a strong influence on the attacking play, which could provide a new dimension to Madrid’s tactical setup.
Denzel Dumfries
The third option is Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries. At 28 years old, Dumfries is a physical and aggressive defender who has quietly built a reputation for being difficult to beat.
Although his career has not always been in the spotlight, his performances have consistently shown that he is more than capable of playing at the highest level.
Dumfries offers a different profile compared to Carvajal. He is more physically imposing and is known for his ability to win tackles, particularly in the attacking third of the pitch.
Dumfries averages 1.11 tackles per game in the opponent’s half this season, compared to Carvajal’s 0.29, demonstrating his willingness to push forward and press high up the pitch.
However, this aggressive style can sometimes lead to lapses in his defensive duties, making him more of a high-risk, high-reward player.
If Real Madrid were to pursue Dumfries, they would need a solid backup plan in place to cover for his occasional defensive shortcomings.
His strengths lie in his attacking contributions, but his tendency to neglect his defensive responsibilities could be a concern for a team that values defensive solidity.