Real Madrid recently signed Danilo from FC Porto to fortify its right wing. With Alvaro Arbeloa no longer a useful asset, the team was looking to give youngster Dani Carvajal a solid backup so that he could get more rest.

But Danilo might not be a backup, according to some reports. He might turn into the main man.

That's right, some sources are stating that Carvajal might be on his way out if he receives a solid offer.

And that is not good for Madrid, as the 23-year-old is crucial on both sides of the pitch. Carvajal has just two assists in 2014-15, but he's ninth on the team in key passes per game and second among defenders; only Marcelo makes more key passes than Carvajal. He is also second among defenders in crosses and ninth overall on the team. He is also in the top 10 in dribbles per game, only Marcelo is better in terms of defenders.

Everyone knew Carvajal could produce offensively and his tremendous speed is nothing to overlook. But where he really excels is on the defensive end. He leads the team in tackles per game, he is third on the side in interceptions per game, he is sixth in clearances per game and he is fifth on the squad in blocks per game. Not shocking considering he is a defenseman, but he is among the elite defenders on the side in most categories and it isn't even close. Marcelo, for all of his excellent offense, is 12th on the side in blocks per game; he has fewer than Cristiano Ronaldo, who people claim makes no defensive contribution. Marcelo makes more clearances than Carvajal, but is eighth on the side in interceptions per game.

Not all aspects of Marcelo's game are weak defensively, but he is less consistent that Carvajal; which proves his worth.

And that goes without mentioning one vital piece of information - Carvajal, at 23, is still going to improve. He is two or three years from his peak and could turn into one of the elite defenders in the world.

Madrid has made mistakes left and right with its top prospects. Just look at how Alvaro Morata has progressed in Italy this year. And in turn look at how Jese Rodriguez and Asier Illarramendi have taken steps backward. If Madrid is going to do this right, it needs to keep Carvajal at whatever cost.

Obviously, Carvajal has a lot to do with whether he chooses to leave or not, but the team must do its utmost to avoid this dilemma. If Carvajal leaves, then the team will be forced into either resigning a quickly declining Arbeloa, or mining a dry market for a competent backup to Danilo. Neither option is palatable, especially with Carvajal likely the best option out there for any team.

Moreover, Danilo is not an upgrade over Carvajal.

In essence, Real Madrid needs to do everything it can to keep the Spanish midfielder in the squad lest it wants to lose a crucial piece of its success.