Real Madrid: 3 burning questions from a nervy 2-1 win vs Rayo Vallecano

Is Dani Carvajal finally back to his best?

Dani Carvajal has been a constant talking point since last season. That’s when he became so injury prone, and ever since then, his role has regressed a little bit. It’s not because of a better option in the team, it’s not because of him being bad whenever he plays. It has just been a matter of him not being available in the important games, and Real Madrid fans are getting very used to seeing the team without him.

But, we can appreciate the Spaniard’s presence whenever he is on the pitch, and that was the case against Rayo Vallecano. In the mid-week clash vs Shakhtar, Carvajal had a disastrous game. He was a step slower, he made wasteful passes and was just not as focused as you would like him to be. People were talking about whether it’s just a blip in form or if it’s the effect that the injuries have had on Dani Carvajal.

It was probably just a blip in form, as we saw the Carvajal of old against Rayo Vallecano. He was really good with his pressing, linked up well with fellow countryman Marco Asensio on the right, made darting runs and tracked back whenever Real Madrid had to defend. He had two key passes, two crosses – both of which were accurate. He had five tackles, two interceptions, three blocks, and just worked really hard on both ends of the pitch. It was so good to see him play like this.

What matters more, though, is that he stays fit for a long stretch and does consistently well in all games that he plays. Real Madrid are always going to be cautious with Carvajal now due to his injury, but if he can stay fit for a longer stretch, then Real Madrid have a great chance of competing at all fronts, because their defense needs a player like Carvajal on its right.