Dani Carvajal talks Alexander-Arnold, Vinicius Alonso, Ancelotti, Ceballos, Rodri | OneFootball

Dani Carvajal has returned to the field as if he never left and it is unbelievable just to see how fit the full-back looks considering the magnitude of his injury.

The veteran star made his first appearance of the season coming off the bench against Osasuna and then started the team’s clash against Real Oviedo.

He even played a few minutes in the third game against Mallorca and the early signs show that the manager trusts him well, possibly even ahead of his newly signed competitor Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Reflecting on the competition

Speaking to the media in a recent interview, the Real Madrid veteran was asked about a plethora of topics ranging from his place in Xabi Alonso’s plans to the revamped competition at right-back.

He began by giving his two cents on competing with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Real Madrid’s new signing, for a place in the starting XI.

“Competition with Trent? The truth is that he is a very good guy. He has integrated very well with us.”

“We have different playing styles, it will benefit our coach for sure, it’s a good problem to have,” he added.

Carvajal then reiterated that he worked well under pressure and that the arrival of a new competitor did not affect him.

“I think some of the best moments in my career have been with serious competition by my side.”

While Carvajal is confident of proving himself to be the superior option for the manager, he stated that it was not surprising that the club pursued a new star signing in his department.

“Trent’s signing? It’s totally understandable that Trent was signed.

“I was 32 years old and with a serious injury. It’s normal, I’m not going to be here all my life, the years go by and we have to bring new blood.”

Vinicius’s situation and questionable refereeing

The captain then spoke on Vinicius Jr, who has stepped up in recent games after a horrendous year. “Vini Jr. is the key even when he plays half an hour.”

Carvajal played down concerns regarding Vinicius Jr.. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Commenting on Xabi Alonso’s decision to bench the Brazilian against Real Oviedo and bring him on as a substitute, he said,

“Vini on the bench vs Oviedo? Look at the positives, he came on, scored a goal, and gave an assist. The other day he scored again.”

“With his quality and talent even in half an hour he is decisive. We will rotate. Coach’s idea is that we are all fresh and locked in,” he added.

Speaking on the recent refereeing controversies in La Liga and giving his opinion on the decisions, he said,

“I wouldn’t have called a penalty on Lamine [vs Rayo Vallecano], but neither on Balde against Levante. For Arda Güler’s handball, it was applied just as it was explained to us.”

The defender even expressed his faith in Ceballos, especially after the player’s move away from the club fell apart at the nth minute.

“I have a lot of confidence in Ceballos. It seemed that he was going to Marseille but in the end, the operation fell apart.

“Xabi talked to him and told him to stay, that he was going to count on him, that the season is very long.”

On Rodri and Ancelotti

Carvajal was then asked his opinion on a possible move to Real Madrid for his compatriot and Ballon d’Or winner Rodri.

“Rodri to Real Madrid? Of course, it would be a good signing, a change of scene wouldn’t hurt him.”

“I talked to him a lot during our recovery period. His move to Real Madrid won’t happen, and I understand that because his club supports him all the time,” he added.

The player then reiterated that the change of manager at Real Madrid was necessary, citing that Ancelotti had run out of steam.

“The idea of changing the coach was necessary. Ancelotti’s era with Real Madrid has ended.”

Finally, he ended his interview by comparing Real Madrid’s current and previous managers and how they differed stylistically.

“Each coach has their own methods. With Carlo Ancelotti, we had more freedom. Xabi is stricter, with more discipline.”

Source: MARCA