Danilo Exit Means Zinedine Zidane Has Three Options to Consider for Cover at Right-Back

​Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane is currently assessing his options on how to fill the gap left by Chelsea bound Danilo – with three possibilities at hand.

Frustrated by a lack of game time available to him, former Porto defender Danilo seems destined for Stamford Bridge in a deal worth €30m. While Zidane would reportedly rather keep hold of the 25-year-old – admiring his professionalism, Danilo is keen to leave in the search for consistent game time.

This leaves Zidane with a dilemma in regards to how he should fill the gap left by the defender, which according to AS, gives him three possible options.

Firstly, the squad may not need changing at all. New signing Theo Hernandez as well as Nacho Fernandez is capable of filling in at right back. While Zidane’s policy of having two players per position has worked so far, dragging either of the natural centre halves across to fill in for when Carvajal isn’t available could work – and is cost efficient.

The problem that arises from this is that the team can easily become stretched when injuries set in, and Zidane will want to avoid that.

Another option is to promote Achraf Hakimi into the first team. Achraf has travelled to the US with the first team and is believed to have a bright future ahead of him, but whether or not Zidane feels he can step up yet remains to be seen.

The final option is to dip into the transfer market, but AS claim that Madrid will only do that if an irresistible offer comes up. Though linked with PSG’s Presnel Kimpembe and Monaco’s Djibril Sidibe, the Spanish champions are unlikely to pay the money those players would warrant for a back up to Carvajal.

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