The three right backs who could replace Real Madrid’s Dani Carvajal?
- Renzo Rigano @Renz_R1
Real Madrid sold Danilo in the summer and may come to regret the sale to Manchester City. Despite never fully impressing at the Bernabeu, Danilo is an experienced full back who could slot in when needed. His no holds barred approach which never fully suited La Liga, would still have been appreciated in their current time of need. Danilo however has seemed to settle within the hustle and bustle of the Premier League and as such Zidane will have to look to youth in the shape of Achraf Hakimi.
Hakimi is already a Moroccan international at the tender age of 18 and is ahighly thought of by the top brass at Real Madrid. Hakimi is a right back who loves to get forward and has an eye for goal. His predatory instincts were developed as a youth playing as a winger and seems to be the way a number of right backs seem are going these days. This allowed the Moroccan to craft his ability up front. Blessed with ball carrying technique, he reliable in defence and in fact is similar to his fellow LA Fabrica graduate Carvajal in many respects. However Zidane may feel it is too soon to fully blood the 18 year old and may instead choose to integrate him slowly. With that being said which three full backs could come in to help fill the gap?
Hector Bellerin: Of all the options available this would seem difficult to achieve but this is Real Madrid we are talking about. Hector Bellerin is one of the most highly rated full backs in the game and despite his Barcelona past, no Madrid fan would complain if they saw him sign. Bellerin has been one of the best performing right backs for Arsenal for the last couple of years and brings a big game mentality as well as the know how to win. Blessed with pace, athleticism, along with the ability to set up and score goals, Bellerin would be suitable for Madrid’s needs. Bellerin also comes with titles to his name with two FA cups and two Community Shields.
Fabinho: The Brazilian had a fantastic campaign with Monaco, helping the side to the summit of Ligue 1. He was instrumental in their league and Champions league run, and was one of many of Monaco’s jewels who was highly sort after by clubs around Europe including Arsenal. Blessed with blistering pace, strong crossing and reliable defensively this would prove to be a considerable long term investment for Real Madrid and would come in handy if Carvajal is out for longer than expected. Zidane will have to fork out the cash for his services in order to convince Monaco to part with an integral part of their team. Has a Ligue 1 to his name and would have no hesitation to make the move to Spain.
Huge Malla: Lesser known outside of Spain but highly rated within it, Hugo Malla has become a mainstay at Celta Vigo. A youth product of Celta and a fan favourite, the former Spanish Under-21 international has notched up over 220 appearances and has spent his entire career with them. The player would fit into Real Madrid’s system and would be a much more affordable option than his aforementioned peers. It was also be the crucial step up the player needs, and at 26 now is the perfect time for him to make the leap both in terms of quality and team prestige. Would cost Madrid the least to bring over but could be a valuable asset to have.
Come January Madrid will need to come to a decision; do they stick with what they have or take the plunge and hope whomever they bring in justifies not only the price tag but their place within the team itself.