Real Madrid News
Real Madrid defender reflects on Karim Benzema’s departure: “Best No. 9 in the world”
When Sergio Ramos left Real Madrid, many expected the team’s defence to collapse. After all, the Spanish legend departed in the same window as Raphael Varane, leaving Los Blancos without both their starting choice centre-backs.
Eder Militao was thus given centre stage, and he grabbed at the opportunity with both hands. The youngster settled into the dynamics with ease and made the defensive transition at the club go almost unnoticed, soon growing into a mainstay of a team that has won all possible trophies over the past two seasons.
In his 33 La Liga appearances last season, the 25-year-old scored a stunning five goals for Real Madrid in addition to being a solid cog in the back line. He averaged 1.2 interceptions, 1.4 tackles, three clearances, and a staggering 4.8 duels won per 90 minutes, seeing ten clean sheets in the process.
The Brazilian recently gave an interview where he opened up about Karim Benzema and his sudden departure from Real Madrid earlier this summer. He insisted that it would be difficult to replace the French superstar.
“Benzema? Of course we were upset that he left. For me, he’s the best #9 in the world. But life goes on, we now have to structure ourselves again,” Militao said (h/t Madrid Xtra).
Militao has rightly been included in the debate for the best active defender in world football in recent years in the wake of his consistent and high-quality performances. When asked about the same, he remained rooted to the ground, saying:
“I’ve been getting a lot of praise but I still have a lot to learn. I’m on the right path but I have to dedicate myself even more.”
Finally, the Brazilian defender went on to praise his teammate and compatriot Vinicius Jr for the magic he produces on the field day in and day out. He had very special words for the young trickster as he said,
“For me, Viní Jr is the best player in the world.”
Real Madrid News
English legend backs Real Madrid star to become one of the all-time greats: ‘He’s got everything’
Jude Bellingham has spent the past fortnight as the most talked-about footballer in England, and the superlatives show no sign of slowing down.
A masterclass in the Nations League, a clutch of records and a second straight Player of the Year award has not gone unnoticed in English footballing media.
Now one of the English game’s most respected voices has added his name to the growing list of believers.
Lineker backs Bellingham
Asked whether Bellingham can go on to become one of the greatest players of all time, England legend Gary Lineker left no room for doubt.
“Yes, I’ve been saying it for a long time now. If he avoids serious injury or falls of the rails which he won’t I’m sure.
“He’s so good at football, he’s got everything. He’s a superstar and carries himself like a superstar,” he said (h/t Track Radio).
The verdict chimes comes in the midst of a wider chorus of acclaim in recent days. Roy Keane tipped him to become one of the greatest of all time after the Croatia rout, with Ian Wright and Micah Richards among others queuing up to praise him.
Backed by the numbers
The acclaim for Bellingham comes on the back of an extraordinary international break for Bellingham.
Against Croatia, Bellingham scored one and created three in the 7-0 win, becoming the first England player to record four goal involvements in a single game since David Platt in 1993.
He finished the window with one goal and four assists and was named UEFA’s Player of the Round.
That international excellence has carried over to the Bernabeu, where he has settled into a free number 10 role under Jose Mourinho and sits as the club’s joint-leading creator.
Bellingham was part of Real Madrid’s recent 1-0 win over Villarreal as well, and was unlucky not to register an assist when Vinicius Jr.’s goal was disallowed.
The Englishman will be looking to make an impact once again when Real Madrid take on AS Roma this Wednesday.
