Real Madrid see midfielder as next club captain amid Dani Carvajal’s uncertain future | OneFootball

Dani Carvajal is enduring his worst season in quite some time, having struggled with injuries and fitness problems for the better part of the campaign.

Although the defender had returned to training at the start of the year, he has yet to feature in a single league game.

Carvajal has found game time hard to come by as coach Alvaro Arbeloa feels he hasn’t shown optimum fitness levels just yet. And this could have a significant bearing on his future.

The club captain’s contract expires at the end of the season and if he continues to struggle with his fitness, he may not earn a contract extension. Keeping that in mind, Real Madrid have already started thinking about their new captain.

Real Madrid pick their next captain

According to Defensa Central, Real Madrid have picked their desired captain for next season in case Carvajal leaves the club at the end of the season.

Valverde is the desired captain if Carvajal leaves. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

That desired pick is Federico Valverde. Although the Uruguayan international hasn’t had the best of seasons so far, Real Madrid believe he is the most viable candidate.

The midfielder, after all, has shown exceptional commitment to the team. He is always willing to play out of position for his team and despite clashing with Xabi Alonso earlier in the season, he has been the primary alternative for Carvajal in the right-back position.

Real Madrid identify that Valverde is also one of the most influential players in the team. He brings significant experience to the table as well, having amassed over 350 competitive appearances since joining the club in 2018.

Not to mention, Valverde, at 27, has a long career ahead of him. He will, therefore, be assigned the role of captain for the years to come, should Carvajal fail to earn a new contract.