Carvajal's rematch: how to be the same again, with a real rival... but with a dream

The most difficult season for Dani Carvajal is finally over. The Real Madrid right-back, who was enjoying his best form , was injured in early October after suffering a serious knee injury that kept him out for the entire season. And, without a doubt, the Whites have felt it to an unimaginable degree: his spirit, his courage, his tireless work, and his ability to inspire his teammates in their efforts have been sorely missed .

And, as if that weren't enough, his injury has added to others such as those of Eder Militao, Antonio Rüdiger, David Alaba, and Ferland Mendy , leaving Real Madrid with serious defensive problems that have hampered them to the point of exhaustion. That's why the Whites have taken matters into their own hands and have launched an effort to strengthen their damaged line, first with the arrival of Dean Huijsen and then with the confirmation of the signing of Trent Alexander-Arnold ... tough competition for Carvajal.

Carvajal's first objective is none other than to feel like a player again and, then, regain confidence to try to return to the same level he was at before his injury. It won't be easy, as he was clearly the best right-back in the world, and after so much time out, it remains to be seen how his knee, the rest of his body, and his confidence develop . Furthermore, Madrid has signed another of Europe's great right-backs, with the arrival of TAA, who will look for a place in the team.

This is the first time Carvajal will have real competition at right back . In recent seasons, it was clear that the Spanish international was one of the few irreplaceable players on the team . First, due to his level, and second, because Lucas Vázquez could function as a substitute, but he was a player who couldn't perform in that position long-term . Now, he'll have to really battle it out with a young player who fits into Xabi Alonso's style of play.

Known for playing with three defenders and two full-backs with obvious attacking potential, Carvajal's role in the team remains to be seen . It's clear that Alexander-Arnold fits like a glove on the right wing , as he's a player with great footwork and attacking spirit, but much more flexible when it comes to defending. The opposite is true for Carvajal, who, while he can play across the entire wing, could also be a third centre-back .

It remains to be seen whether Carvajal will be available for the next Club World Cup or if he'll be back in action at the start of the new season, but Xabi Alonso knows him well, having even shared a dressing room. The advantage for the Spaniard is that the Englishman will also have to acclimatize to a new style of play , new teammates, and a different pace, in a team where there's no margin for error and you need to shine from the first second in white.

But Carvajal has an idea in mind. Right now, he's already part of the history of world football's biggest competition , the Champions League, where he has the honor of being one of only five players with six titles . But with Luka Modric 's departure, Nacho 's departure to Saudi Arabia, and the retirement of Toni Kroos , he's the only active player capable of surpassing this record. And that's sure to be a great incentive for Carvajal to return hungrier than before.

And, if that weren't enough, 2026 is World Cup year, the only major title Carvajal is missing from his trophy cabinet . It won't be easy to return after almost a full season on the sidelines, much less with the competition he now has within the team from Alexander-Arnold... but the Spanish international isn't going to give in. He has a season that's both exciting and challenging in equal measure ahead of him, but he also has a dream : to be the most successful in the history of the Champions League.