5 realistic right back upgrades for Real Madrid this summer

Youcef Atal – OGC Nice

Youcef Atal is another great option at right-back. He’s the least known out of all the three I’ve mentioned, but is still checks most, if not all the boxes.

He’s one of the most creative defenders in Ligue 1, and is surprisingly very good defensively if you factor in the height. Usually, short defenders don’t win as many aerial duels but Atal, according to FBref wins 1.87 aerials per 90, putting him in the 84th percentile in his position.

Atal also averages 3.37 interceptions per 90 and 2.41 tackles per 90, great numbers for a right-back. He is also very good going forward. He ranks in the 99th percentile in progressive carries per 90, with a whopping total of 8.78. He creates chances for his teammates, and although his assist numbers aren’t that great, it’s not due to a lack of trying.

Atal isn’t in his prime, either. He’s 26 years old, and will probably improve a little more before he truly gets into his bag. I’d also say a better team around him would help bring the best version of himself to life, especially when his primary target in the box would be none other than Karim Benzema.

Atal’s contract, like with Mukiele, expires in June of 2023, which gives Nice an option to cash in on him before he is able to leave for free. He shouldn’t cost a lot of money, either. However, I’d also argue he’s not the best option. He’s not the best defensively, he’s not the tallest, he’s not the best in the offense, either. However, just because he isn’t the best does not mean he’s not good at all.

Another problem with this signing would be the non-EU spots. Atal is from Algeria, and Real Madrid already have their non-EU spots filled. So, someone would have to either leave or get a Spanish passport to incorporate Atal. Apart from that, he is still a solid option, and would give Carvajal a run for his money. If the club isn’t able to sign Pedro Porro, then he’d be a pretty good alternative.