Dani Carvajal is a true Real Madrid legend, a critical part of the European and domestic success that Los Blancos have achieved in the past decade. However, recurring injuries and a decline in form have made him less reliable in recent times and the club needs a succession plan. So what should they do?
Vinicius Tobias is currently playing for Real Madrid Castilla, on loan from Shakhtar Donetsk, and Los Blancos are believed to have the option to sign him permanently for €18 million at the end of the season.
At just 18 years of age, Tobias is one for the future, but his high potential may not be reached if the club don’t give him early opportunities.
Tobias is projected to become the ideal modern full-back, equally capable in attack and defence, and many fans would have expected to see him play for the first-team by now. Real Madrid should give him a chance to shine before they shell out a fee to sign him permanently.
Real Madrid need to solve right-back problem soon
If Real Madrid choose to dip into the transfer market, there are a few players they could target. At the top of our list is Jeremie Frimpong, who currently operates on the right flank at Bayer Leverkusen.
Frimpong is also very young, just 22, but he boasts electric pace and has a lot more experience at the top level than Tobias. He may cost a transfer fee upwards of €30 million, but that could prove to be a bargain if he continues on his current trajectory.
If Real Madrid choose to look for a more experienced player, then Frimpong’s international teammate Denzel Dumfries may be the answer. While he has excelled internationally and with Inter Milan more as a wing-back, he showed at PSV just how capable he is as a right-back in a back four as well.
With Dumfries’ tendencies to attack, Real Madrid could tilt their left-back inside more, bringing balance to the back line. If the left-back continues to be Ferland Mendy or David Alaba, this would suit them perfectly as well.
The club must prepare themselves for the future with Carvajal now 31 years of age. Even if Tobias is the long-term answer, they will need to bring in another right-back to provide competition and depth keeping the immediate future in mind.