Real Madrid need leadership right now and a lack of experienced heads in high pressure situations has proven extremely problematic. This was on display in the 4-2 loss to Benfica midweek with two of Alvaro Arbeloa's men sent off and none of his players able to bring calmness in a situation that spiralled out of control.
That wasn't the first time this season when Madrid capitulated due to a clear lack of a leader. The humiliating 3-2 defeat to Segunda Division side Alabecete was another example of the occasion getting the better of them.
It's not entirely been Arbeloa or his predecessor Xabi Alonso's faults given the injury crisis the club have encountered. This issue is largely why a Los Blancos hero can be expected to depart the Estadio Bernabeu this summer.
Real Madrid 'worried' about Carvajal
Dani Carvajal's recurring fitness issues have been cause for concern this season and his lack of availability has worried the club. The veteran Spanish right-back has appeared just 10 times across competitions and his last appearance was a 13-minute cameo appearance off the bench against Albacete.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the situation including his delayed return to fitness is starting to worry management. Not just because the team lack a leader aside from Thibaut Courtois but also that they don't have an available right-back.
Trent Alexander-Arnold continues to endure similar injury problems at the start of his Madrid career. Los Blancos would have expected to be able to rotate between two of Europe's most highly-rated full-backs but have mostly been forced to use Federico Valverde in the position.
Carvajal will leave this summer
Madrid are expected to undergo a rebuild this summer and that includes outgoings. David Alaba is set to leave the Bernabeu once his contract expires and could be followed by Antonio Rudiger who is linked with Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr.
Carvajal's current deal also runs out at the end of the season and there's no indication that talks have commenced about a renewal. The 34-year-old will go down as one of the greatest defenders in the club's history but his injury woes this season means it's best to part ways.
Alexander-Arnold needs to overcome his fitness struggles but reports about the former Liverpool star being told he isn't part of the club's plans are not true. A new right-back should be one of many signings to be made this summer and that should come as a Carvajal replacement.