How Can Dani Carvajal Fit In With Trent Alexander-Arnold At Real Madrid?

Newly-appointed Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso could be in line for one of his first major decisions as coach of the club as vice-captain Dani Carvajal returns to action after a nine-month knee injury to compete for the right-back role with new signing Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Carvajal suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear, an external collateral ligament injury, and a ruptured popliteal tendon, which forced him into surgery and prevented him from walking freely and a long rehabilitation to recover and return to training.

This week, he has rejoined the team’s training camp in the United States during the Club World Cup, alongside his new team-mate who has become his first major rival for the position on the right of defence since he returned to the club from a stint in Germany in 2013.

“In every team there are signings, I take it as a personal challenge,” Carvajal responded when asked about the signing by journalists on Monday. “I love to compete, that healthy competition makes the team better,” he continued.

It has also opened the door to a potential new role for the club’s vice-captain. Carvajal played as a makeshift central defender under Carlo Ancelotti during an injury crisis at times last season before his own long-term injury, and he didn’t rule out repeating that again under Xabi Alonso.

“We’re seeing a lot of changes with Xabi, like Tchouameni playing between the center-backs,” he explained. “I have no problem playing wherever Xabi wants me to play, even if it’s in goal.”

Could Dani Carvajal play in a new position?

Carvajal’s defensive qualities, leadership skills, and experience, mean that Xabi Alonso may be reluctant to keep him on the bench, even if Alexander-Arnold is his preferred choice in defence. That would mean that Carvajal could even play alongside his rival, with the most likely option being as a central defender.

The 33-year-old Spain international has played there at times in a back four, but a back three could provide a role more aligned with his usual right-back position. Coach Alonso has already experimented with a back-three in defence, making its debut against RB Salzburg in the final group stage game. In that case, Antonio Rüdiger, a staple in the line-up, was given the role on the right of defence, but that role could be an option for Carvajal.

Another potential weak link where Carvajal may be able to offer some experience could be at left-back. While rare, Zinedine Zidane used him in that role on eight occasions, and he could offer a more reliable option than injury-prone Ferland Mendy or defensively-weak Fran García.

The alternative could be that it is not Carvajal who is displaced, but rather Alexander-Arnold who could move into a midfield role. The Englishman operated as a midfielder at times under Jurgen Klopp in his last season at Liverpool. Alonso seems happy with his wealth of midfield options, but it’s an alternate option to consider.

Dani Caravajal on his return to fitness at Real Madrid

The right-back was injured against Villarreal in October 2024 and has now climbed back to full fitness and has trained with the first team in the United States ahead of their Club World Cup last 16 game against Juventus.

“After nine months, I’m now ready to play again. I’m available,” he told the media on Monday. “I feel very well, already in the rhythm of training with the group. Let’s see if I can be in the squad list tomorrow.”

Some have questioned whether he could also struggle with the mental impact of such a severe injury, but Carvajal appeared to shrug off any such concerns. “I know myself and if they let me out on the field, I will go at 100% and I will not be afraid to put my leg in,” he insisted.