Real Madrid News
Jordi Alba hails Real Madrid defender as ‘one of the best in his position’
If Dani Carvajal’s latest display during the Madrid Derby is anything to go by, he remains one of the standout right-backs in world football to this day.
While the Spanish international was in top touch towards the backend of the last term, some Madridistas have even gone as far as to say that the club legend may have rediscovered his form during his prime.
Jordi Alba, who plies his trade for arch-rivals Barcelona has certainly taken notice of his fellow countryman’s performances and reserved special praise for him.
“He has been at a high level for many years, he is very competitive. He is the best at his position in recent years. Too bad to have him in the rival. We are very good friends,” he said, as quoted by SPORT.
While Alba is arguably the Blaugrana’s greatest ever left-back, his admiration for Carvajal just shows how much respect the Los Blancos youth product commands within the game.
Despite injuries playing a major part in halting the 30-year-old’s career, he has returned time and again and proved his mettle at the elite level.
Considering the Barça icon has competed in high-profile clashes and won silverware against Dani Carvajal, he has a true understanding of the comprehensive skillset possessed by his rival.
Since returning from a loan spell from Bayer Leverkusen in 2013, the five-time Champions League winner has been a mainstay at the back for the side from the Spanish capital.
It is also key to remember that the likes of alternatives such as now-PSG star Achraf Hakimi and Alvaro Odriozola could never usurp him to stake a claim in the team.
Alba has put his rivalry with Real Madrid aside to appreciate the greatness of the one and only Carvajal, as the two gear up to represent Spain at the UEFA Nations League over the next couple of weeks.
Real Madrid have finally received some good news as MARCA confirms that Nacho has finally made his decision about his future, and is set to continue at the club for the foreseeable future.
His contract expires in the summer, and Real Madrid had tabled an extension for the player, which was not accepted by the Spaniard at the time. Now, however, he has decided to reject offers from Juventus, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Inter Milan, and AC Milan.
Nacho will sign a one year extension, with the option to extend for another year if both parties reach an agreement.
His continuity also means that he will be the new club captain for the 2023/24 season, since Karim Benzema is leaving the club on a free transfer in the summer. Luka Modric will be second captain, followed by Daniel Carvajal and Toni Kroos.
Carlo Ancelotti has also spoken to the player, confirming that they trust him for next season in the team, which has gone a long way in helping convince the player.
The Italian gaffer also spoke about the Spanish defender’s contract situation after the game against Athletic Club yesterday, saying:
“Asensio, Nacho and Ceballos? We have explained them their roles. The club have offered them renewals. Asensio has preferred to leave, Ceballos and Nacho are still thinking about it.”
While a centre-back by trade, Nacho has played across the defence for Madrid continuously, including putting shifts at left-back, right-back, and even centre-back.
His departure would have probably pushed Madrid to sign another defender, especially since they are considering selling Ferland Mendy if a good offer arrives.
Regardless of that, though, Madrid are moving to sign Alphonso Davies, and have already made initial contacts with the player. Bayern Munich have not rejected their advances.
Further, the los blancos management have already met with Davies’ entourage twice, cementing their interest in the Canadian ace.
Mohammmed Aliyu
September 22, 2022 at 6:28 pm
One of the best in his position.
If not number 1 but number 2 in that position