Introduction:
In August 2018, Sao Paulo saw one of its young powerhouses leave, to join FC Porto to play elite-level football throughout Europe. Eder Militao’s last match for Sao Paulo ended 20 minutes before the full-time whistle. Yet he recorded the most number of touches and tackles in that game. He joined the club as a 13-year-old teenager who aspired to fulfil his father’s yearning to watch his son top-level football.
Eder Militao’s talent burst out during the 2017/18 season in Brazil earning the trust of the scouts from Porto. It took him just one season to impress the Real Madrid scouts and more importantly, Zinedine Zidane, who looks to continue his legacy at the club after a 10-month downfall since his departure.
Style of play:
Real Madrid have had a long list of defenders who double as midfielders or even strikers, particularly Sergio Ramos. While Ramos contributes during the attack, Casemiro usually takes his place at the centre-back position to fill the void.
Eder Militao’s versatility and strength allows him to contribute to the team in a similar manner. He stands at 6 feet and 2 inches tall, just 4 inches short of Thibaut Courtois. His calibre to accelerate quickly with a bonus of his wide-reaching stature allows him to be one step ahead of his opponents. An excerpt from one of Eder’s recent matches has been given below.
Militao’s versatility allows him to play in totally three positions namely, centre-back, right-back and central midfield-defence. Even though he plays as a right-back at Porto, he might not get that opportunity in Real Madrid due to the presence of Nacho and Alvaro Odriozola. Rather, he would be an asset for the central defence which, according to his father and Brazilian National Team coach Tite, is a superior position for him.
Militao might be the key to Real Madrid’s defence next season since Nacho keeps switching between central defence and right back and Vallejo has barely been fit in the last two seasons.
Zidane’s idea to sign Eder Militao immediately on his arrival is to groom him alongside Varane and to take up the reins after Ramos. Militao and Ramos have a lot in common. Competitiveness, aggression, ability to counter-attack, strong and lethal headers and prolonged stamina. Most Brazilians naturally imbibe the talent of dribbling the ball and Militao is no less. He can hold and dribble the ball with a cool and calm head, helping him to move away from any sorts of pressure.
Injuries, discipline and suspensions:
His natural Brazilian-robustness has helped him to stay fit for most of his senior career. The only time he was injured was the 2017/18 season at Sao Paulo for just 5 days that saw him missing just 1 match in the season due to the thigh muscle injury.
In the entire 2018/19 season for Porto, he has played a total of 34 matches, not playing for just 36 minutes in total from it.
Militao has received just 2 yellow cards, scoring and assisting twice each from those 34 matches played.
The story so far:
Eder Militao’s signing came within days of Zinedine Zidane’s return at the club for reportedly €50 million. Militao has been Iker Casillas’ shield at Porto alongside Pepe and Felipe, who’ve qualified for the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League.
For sure, at least for all Madridistas, our eyes would be on Eder Militao as he faces the hot-form of the Liverpool front three of Mane, Salah and Firmino on 10th April, 2019.
