Since Achraf Hakimi’s departure from Real Madrid in the summer of 2020, the club has been left with just one natural right-back in the squad, Dani Carvajal. It wouldn’t have been that big of a problem if it weren’t for Carvajal’s poor injury record. Since the start of the 20/21 season, he has missed over 46 games in all competitions for Los Blancos.
Besides Carvajal, there’s Lucas Vazquez who played the full-back role surprisingly well last season. However, his performances this season have been quite underwhelming. Nacho is another option, whose versatility equips him to be a half-decent right-back option. Be that as it may, he has proved time and time again that he is much more comfortable as a center-back, and much more vulnerable on the right.
The right-back issue has been overlooked amid the Mbappe saga, but the underlying defensive woes make it imperative for Real Madrid to target a competent right-back in the next transfer window.
So, that being said, who are three players that the club can target in the summer to strengthen their right-back position?
Dodo – Shakhtar Donetsk
We start off with the Brazilian right-back, Dodo. The 22-year-old is one of the most underrated fullbacks in the world and personally, I’m glad he hasn’t been poached by a top European club.
He is rock-solid at the back, with great aerial prowess, positional awareness, and a dominant physicality. He is a player somewhat similar to Ferland Mendy, in the sense that he might struggle to make a difference in the final third. However, his weaknesses are nullified by his extraordinary defensive abilities.
He has been immense for Shakhtar, particularly since the arrival of De Zerbi. He has started off on a great note this season, both on the defensive and offensive fronts. He has provided three assists in nine games in the Ukrainian League and has won 2.25 tackles per game in the Champions League this season. He also averages 2.25 interceptions per game, and has just committed one foul per game according to FBref.
The four at the back system suits him really well, which is important to know considering the fact that Real Madrid rarely uses the three-at-the-back approach, regardless of the manager.
Overall, he’d be a great addition to this Real Madrid side.
Pedro Porro – Sporting CP/Manchester City
Manchester City right-back Pedro Porro is another option and a great one at that. The Spaniard is currently on loan to Sporting CP till 2022. However, Sporting CP has reportedly made the decision to complete the signing permanently. It should also be noted that Pedro has been recently linked with Real Madrid by the same source.
Pedro Porro is a solid, technically-gifted right-back, one of those rare fullbacks that are equally good at both offense and defense. The most noticeable aspect of his game is the positional awareness that he possesses. It’s something that cannot be seen in statistics, but those who have watched him play would know what I’m talking about. Porro’s pace, pinpoint crosses and positioning make him the typical Real Madrid caliber full-back.
Porro has had a strong start to the season, scoring twice and providing one assist in Primeira Liga, in 9 appearances. According to WhoScored, he has 2.3 tackles per game and 1.55 dribbles per game. Decent stats for a 22-year old right-back, I’d say.
However, as a 5’9 defender, Porro is relatively vulnerable in the air and sometimes acts impulsively. In addition, he usually plays in a 3-4-3 formation as a right-wing-back and might struggle in a 4-3-3 system.
Nevertheless, The Spaniard is just 22 years of age and will only improve from here. Overall, I think he’d be an ideal option.
Nordi Mukiele – RB Leipzig
Currently at Leipzig, Mukiele is a 24-year-old right-back and is arguably the most defensive option among the three. Unlike Pedro and Dodo, Mukiele has never been strongly linked to Real Madrid and is more of a personal preference of mine.
The Frenchman’s versatility, pace, and defensive awareness might make him exactly what Real Madrid needs. In addition, he has only missed 3 games owing to injuries since the start of the 19/20 season. Considering Real Madrid’s injury woes season after season, this is comforting to know.
Mukiele can play as a right-back, right-wing-back, as well as a center-back. At Leipzig, he is well-suited to both the three-at-the-back and the 4-3-3 system. His versatility can prove to be an important asset notably in the latter half of the season. As per FBref, he has 1.67 tackles per game, 2.58 blocks per game, and 2.27 interceptions per game in Bundesliga this season. These are phenomenal stats.
Mukiele’s contract at Leipzig expires in 2023 and could cost around 25 million euros if Real Madrid makes a move for him in the next transfer window. Even though this move is unlikely, I really think that the club’s higher-ups should consider him as a genuine option.