Four players who could fill-in Carvajal’s spot at Real Madrid | OneFootball

Real Madrid were dealt a significant blow with the news that Dani Carvajal will miss the entire season due to a serious knee injury.

As one of the club’s most dependable players over the years, his absence creates a serious gap at right-back and the club must look at alternative solutions to fill this crucial position.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti has several options at his disposal, but each comes with its own strengths and weaknesses. Let’s take a closer look at four players who could potentially take over Carvajal’s duties.

Raul Asencio – A tactical experiment

Raul Asencio has been tested at right-back in training. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Raul Asencio is an intriguing option for the right-back role. While primarily known as a solid player on the ball, his passing ability—both short and long—could bring a unique dynamic to the position.

Ancelotti has already experimented with Asencio as a right-back during training sessions, which shows he sees potential in this adaptation.

Deploying Asencio in this role would require a tactical shift, particularly with Antonio Rudiger and Aurelien Tchouameni functioning as centre-backs. Asencio’s composure and technical skills could complement their defensive solidity.

However, this option remains largely untested in competitive matches, leaving question marks about how he would handle high-pressure situations against world-class wingers.

Lucas Vazquez – The natural replacement

Lucas Vazquez is Crvajal’s natural replacement. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Lucas Vazquez has often been Real Madrid’s go-to backup for Carvajal. His attacking instincts and familiarity with the role make him a logical choice.

However, his defensive frailties have been exposed in recent seasons, particularly when up against tricky and pacey wingers like Raphinha or Rafael Leao.

While Vazquez offers a safe pair of hands for most fixtures, his struggles against top-tier opposition may force Ancelotti to consider more defensively solid options.

Despite this, his understanding of Madrid’s system and chemistry with the squad makes him a reliable short-term choice.

Federico Valverde – Versatility at a cost

Federico Valverde played a good game against Leganes. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)

Federico Valverde has been a vital contributor on the defensive side for Real Madrid over the past two seasons, often covering for Carvajal during games.

His incredible pace and ability to break lines make him a strong candidate for the right-back position and he was solid against Leganes too.

The Uruguayan’s versatility is one of his biggest strengths, and his energy on the flank could offer both defensive stability and attacking thrust.

However, there is a significant downside to this solution. Moving Valverde to full-back would leave a massive void in Real Madrid’s midfield, where his contributions have been instrumental.

His ability to control transitions, press opponents, and link play would be sorely missed. Ancelotti would need to weigh the pros and cons of sacrificing his midfield dynamo for a temporary fix in defence.

Ferland Mendy – The unexpected solution

Ferland Mendy could be the unexpected solution. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Another interesting option could be Ferland Mendy. With Fran Garcia fit and ready to occupy the left-back position, Mendy could be deployed as a right-back.

Although playing on his weaker side might pose challenges, Mendy’s defensive capabilities and experience as a full-back could make him a viable option.

This approach would allow Real Madrid to maintain balance in their backline while utilising both Garcia and Mendy effectively.

However, Mendy’s limited attacking output might restrict Madrid’s offensive play down the right flank, which has often been a key area for the team’s build-up play.