Real Madrid are once again linked with signing another young player this transfer window, however, this individual will reinforce the ageing backline at the club.
21-year-old defender Eder Militao has been linked with a move from his current club, FC Porto, to the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu in the summer of 2019.
Militao has the ability to play both as a centre-back and a right-back and has proved himself to be a visionary player who is not afraid to be a physical force.
At the moment, Real Madrid currently have four players that play as centre backs and three that can cover the right wing.
Sergio Ramos, Raphael Varane, Nacho, Jesus Vallejo, Dani Carvajal and Alvaro Odriozola cover the spots.
Under the reign of Santiago Solari, Ramos and Varane find themselves with the most minutes on the pitch and are both fit to play.
Yet with the Captain nearing the age of 33, Perez has ought to find his replacement: enter Militao.
Despite only making his way into professional football two years ago, the Brazilian international already has 38 appearances for club and country.
He is as skilled at reading/creating a pass as a midfielder and has a big enough physical frame to routinely intercept the ball and block attacking threats.
As an example, during Porto’s 1-4 win over Chaves on 18 January, Militao was one of the standout players.
He led the team in successful dribbles (4), aerial duels (5) and clearances (6) while tying for tackles attempted (5) even while playing alongside veteran Pepe.
His skills have also allowed him to not only play in the Primeira Liga but the Champions League as well proving that he is a reliable player for all types of matches.
The instinctive style that Militao plays with also resembles that of Ramos and his skills would be useful enough to fill the gap once the Spaniard retires.
With the future of the Madrid back line most likely being led by Raphael Varane and Militao, with the Frenchman bearing the captain’s armband, the team will be in good hands.
Both players will be able to cover the necessary grounds on the pitch and allow their left and right wing-backs to play up in attack if so desired.
Specifically, the two will be a detrimental force in the air for the club in both defence and attack.
With Brazil and Porto, Militao boasts an aerial success rate of 3.7 and Varane’s is 2.9 when representing France and Madrid.
In addition, each player has scored at least one goal for their respective clubs and make continual efforts to add to the scoreline when given at set pieces.
Take the versatile talents of Militao and you have a central defender with enough raw skill to develop into a world-class player worthy of representing the beloved Los Blancos crest.
There will soon be a Real Madrid without Sergio Ramos wearing the armband and the club needs to prepare themselves for that future.
If Perez can successfully draw and put Militao’s signature to paper and beat Manchester United and Liverpool to the punch, the signing will undoubtedly be beneficial for Real Madrid in the foreseeable future.
