Is Danilo the Right Man to Complement Dani Carvajal at Real Madrid?

Real Madrid seem to have beaten Barcelona in the race to sign Porto right-back Danilo, per Marca, but are they signing him to spite their rivals rather than to complement Dani Carvajal?

The Spanish newspaper claimed that Los Blancos moved quickly to snap up the Brazilian defender, which is a huge blow for the Catalan side because of their current situation.

Barcelona's regular starter at right-back, Dani Alves, is out of contract at the end of the season and seems set to leave Camp Nou, with the latest indication being that he could be heading to Paris Saint-Germain, per Sport.

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That would leave Luis Enrique with a choice of either Martin Montoya and Douglas, neither of whom he truly trusts to start regularly. Barcelona would have been hoping to bring in Danilo upon the completion of their transfer embargo in January 2016.

The Blaugrana were interested in Danilo before Madrid were, with Tomas Andreu of Sport reporting back in February that the full-back was the club's prime transfer target at right-back:

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He has grown and strengthened at Porto and plays in a bold style that would suit the Camp Nou. Since last season the club have been keeping tabs on the player and across various reports have reached similar conclusions: He is one of the full backs with great potential, although not quite yet at the level of Dani Alves.

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Danilo is an athletic, attacking full-back and would suit the Barcelona system well. Jordi Alba and Alves are key players at Camp Nou for their ability to augment attacks. The Xavi-Alves-Lionel Messi combination has created many goals for Barcelona over the years.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, have a good blend at right-back at the moment. Dani Carvajal offers quality in attacking areas and a solid defensive presence, while Alvaro Arbeloa is the experienced, wise head.

Arbeloa, 32, is reaching the end of his career at the top level, it's true, but his contract doesn't expire until 2016, and Madrid could still use him next season if they need to.

Both Carvajal and Danilo are 23 years old and are at similar stages of their development. Both will want regular football, and that can't happen if they're at the same club.

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Furthermore, it doesn't give Carlo Ancelotti—or whoever the next Real Madrid manager is—much room for manoeuvre, given both players have a similar profile.

Danilo and Carvajal are good at dribbling and getting into advanced positions, and both are also capable of defending tightly if required, although it's not a specialty.

Barcelona and Brazil star Neymar is convinced his compatriot has the quality to play for any side in the world. He said, per Sport:

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He is a great player and I have no doubt that he is capable of playing in any team in the world. What I want, as a friend and speaking honestly, is that he is able to choose the best option for him. That is the most important thing.

I won't take advantage of our time with the national team to convince him to sign for Barcelona. I don't like to get under anyone's skin, especially when they are my friends, because I know how things work relating to transfers. It would not be good to say that he has to sign for Barcelona.

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So while Danilo may not be a bad signing for Real Madrid, he seems more like an excellent player to replace Cavajal rather than complement him.

Given that Carvajal came through Real Madrid's youth system and has done a good job in most of his appearances for the club, the fans wouldn't be overly impressed if Danilo took his place.

Barcelona seems the better destination for Danilo because he would be an instant first-choice player, but as the club can't sign anybody until next year, his patience would be tested.