In elite football, one truth remains: only one starter can take to the field. Or, to put it more delicately — between two players fighting for a regular starting berth, one has to play less. That’s the quiet but intense battle unfolding at Real Madrid between Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dani Carvajal. There’s only room for one right-back when it matters most.
For Xabi Alonso and his technical team, the short-term solution lies through rotation, but inevitably, one player will end up playing more. In other words: one will be chosen when the campaign enters its critical stage in March-April. That is usually the best indicator to see who is ahead. And that will be the true moment to evaluate this particular situation.
As of now, no one inside the club is willing to bet on who will log more minutes this season. Trent may have the edge in the short term—his form and flair are undeniable—but Carvajal is a legend in Madrid. “He’s a beast. Always has been, always will be” insiders said back in May. And that sentiment hasn’t changed.
Carvajal back after 300 days sidelined
Exactly 300 days ago, Carvajal suffered one of the most brutal injuries of his career—a moment that froze the Bernabéu in stunned silence. October 5, 2024, deep into stoppage time against Villarreal. Real Madrid was cruising with a 2–0 lead. The game was all but over. And then… disaster struck.
A routine clearance turned catastrophic. A collision with Yéremy Pino, an awkward twist of the leg, and then—those unmistakable sounds. The crack. The scream. And above all, the silence that followed. In a stadium affectionately nicknamed “the madhouse,” the atmosphere turned ice cold.
Carvajal had torn the ACL in his right knee, along with the lateral collateral ligament and the popliteal tendon—a devastating combination. Surgery was inevitable, and the road to recovery would be long and arduous. Doctors estimated 8 to 10 months on the sidelines. For a player known for his grit and relentless energy, it was a crushing blow.
But true to form, Carvajal didn’t fade. He reemerged at the recent Club World Cup. during Real Madrid’s summer tour of the US, showing signs of the warrior spirit that’s defined his career. And now—he’s back.
Taking it slow
What Dani is going through isn’t just physical recovery—it’s a competitive rebuild. Sure, being included in the squad is one thing, but starting for Real Madrid? That’s a whole different level. During the Club World Cup, his presence was more symbolic—just 20 minutes in a lopsided win over PSG. But now, the story’s changing.
He’s going from strength to strength. Inside Real Madrid, the prevailing belief is that Trent Alexander-Arnold will start the season as the first-choice right back. Not because the club doubts Dani Carvajal, but because timing matters. After such a serious injury, the body doesn’t just heal—it has to relearn how to compete. And that takes months.
Right now, he could be at 70%, so the pulse is pretty decided. But once Carvajal hits 100%, the landscape could shift. His experience, defensive reliability, and leadership in the locker room aren’t easily replaced. That’s when the debate becomes tactical, emotional, and strategic.
Two’s a crowd
Before his injury, Carvajal was playing at a level few defenders ever reach. He finished 4th in the Ballon d’Or voting with 550 points, ahead of both Haaland and Mbappé. It was the season of his iconic header at Wembley. Across 3,351 minutes, he scored 6 goals and provided 5 assists, averaging a direct goal contribution every 305 minutes.
But the competition he now faces is fierce. For perspective, Trent Alexander-Arnold contributed to a goal every 187 minutes that same season.
Carvajal is a stronger defender: better positioning, more solid in one-on-one duels, and surprisingly equally as sharp in one-on-one attacking situations.
Trent, on the other hand, brings a midfielder’s touch to the right flank. The coaching staff loves how he drifts into central areas and helps build play.
Under Xabi Alonso’s system, full-backs need to have a bit of a midfielder’s brain. That role suits Trent more naturally than Carvajal.
Captain’s Words: “Competition makes us better”
“Fear? There’ll be competition, but we’ll never speak of fear; we’re teammates. Competition strengthens us both. I’m not worried. It’ll bring out our best, and that’s good for the team,” said Carvajal.
Spoken like a true captain. The same man who, 300 days ago, began a grueling recovery. Now he’s back. And in a few months, when he’s at 100%, the real battle begins. A quiet war, but one burning red-hot. Because two is a crowd—when only one can start at right back.