While Real Madrid are visibly passing the baton to the new generation, the right-back position is one such where a veteran continues to have full grip.
Dani Carvajal, despite being 32 years old, is still at the peak of his powers and delivering masterclasses for Los Blancos at the back. He has played 22 of the team’s 28 league clashes so far and has six goal contributions to his name.
Further, he averages one key pass and over seven defensive actions per game.
In a recent interview with COPE, the Spanish international sat down to discuss a plethora of topics on Real Madrid’s ongoing season, various players and Spain’s chances at the Euros.
Carvajal began his interaction, however, by reviewing his season and the form he is currently enjoying.
"Yes, I am in one of the best form. It is achieved with a lot of work to reverse complicated situations, and it is based a lot on self-confidence."
Commenting on Spain’s chances in the Europa League 2024 to be held in Germany, he said,
"It’s complicated because there are high-level rivals with spectacular players, but we have a fantastic group and we are one of the candidates."
Carvajal has been enjoying a stellar season for Real Madrid, and the impact of the same is visible on the team’s results. Speaking on the team’s form and consistency this term, he said,
"We have only lost one La Liga match, we are in the Champions League quarterfinals, it was a shame about Copa del Rey but we won the Super Cup. On the way back from the break we have a pretty key match against Athletic."
"With nine games left, it’s eight points of advantage, we receive Barcelona in our stadiums… we want to win that game and extend the lead," he added on the title race.
The right-back was then asked about how Barcelona managed to regularly churn up high-level talents while Real Madrid struggled, to which he provided a very logical explanation.
"The explanation lies in how the club is financially; when you’re not doing well, you have to get people from below, it’s logical," he remarked.
"If Madrid have a shot at Jude Bellingham, one of the best in the world, you have to sign him and that closes the door on Sergio Arribas, for example."
At the same time, Carvajal had some praise for Barcelona youngster Pau Cubarsi, who has broken into the Spanish national team, saying,
"Against Napoli he was really good; the new generations have a very high level, very mature, and I’m sure he’s going to help us."
There was a message of optimism for another Barcelona star, Pedri, who has suffered yet another injury setback this season and could miss El Clasico next month.
"I send him a big hug and tell him to rest assured that there is light at the end of the tunnel. I’ve been injured too, and I’ve come back and re-injured myself."
"He is very young, he has a very long career and he is going to help us all. He should be calm, I am sure that he will get out of this because he is very professional."
Brahim Diaz recently made the headlines for opting to don the Moroccan crest over that of Spain. The Real Madrid star commented on Diaz’s decision and revealed that he had a word with him.
"We discussed it with him, we told him to try to make the decision that best suits him. I wish him the best of luck. He knows what it means to defend Spain but he knows the competition here."
Carvajal also provided an update on his contractual situation and possible extension, saying,
"At the moment we have not sat down to talk, it’s really easy with me. If you want to renew me, I am the first one who wants to extend the contract with the club."
The question of Kylian Mbappe’s potential arrival at the club inevitably arose, to which Carvajal insisted that nothing had been communicated to the player yet.
"They haven’t told us anything. It seems that it is a possibility that he can come. In Madrid, the best have to come and he is one of the best. For the League and our football, it would be good, just like Lewandowski has gone to Barcelona."
The veteran defender was also asked if Mbappe’s arrival could create jealousy in the dressing room and a potential clash of egos, to which he said,
"No jealousy, but the people who have been in the club for the longest time are in charge of everyone rowing in the same direction; that when one derails a little, grab him by the ear and put him on the track of our train."
Moving to the controversial topic of Real Madrid’s feud with referees and the videos circulating on RMTV, Carvajal refused to take a stance on the team’s media decisions.
"In the end, they are club decisions, we have to focus on playing. I believe in the professionalism of the referees, it is a very difficult profession and under a lot of pressure. We are all wrong here."
The veteran Spaniard went on to defend referee Gil Manzano for the mistake at Mestalla and admitted that it was only human to err.
"Gil Manzano made a mistake in Valencia, because he made a mistake, what are we going to do to him? I also made a mistake and they scored a goal against us. You also have to be a person, I’m sure he didn’t want that to happen."
Finally, Carvajal was asked about why he was happy Real Madrid had drawn Manchester City in the UCL, to which he said,
"They are a very high-level rival and no one is going to put the favourites tag on us; that’s a point in our favour."