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
Real Madrid attentive to the situation of Serie A marksman, Chelsea, Saudi Arabia also keen
Amid signs of trouble brewing between Napoli and their ace goalscorer Victor Osimhen, Real Madrid are keeping a close eye on the Nigerian hitman’s situation, reports the Daily Mail.
The 24-year-old was one of the pioneers of Napoli’s Serie A title triumph during the 2022/23 season. But the relationship between the player and the club appears to have taken a hit over the past few days.
All is not well between Osimhen and Napoli
It all started with a distasteful video mocking Osimhen’s penalty miss during the game against Bologna that was posted on Napoli’s official TikTok account.
While the club took down the video soon after, it has not gone down too well with the 24-year-old or his entourage.
In fact, Osimhen’s agent even hinted at a possible legal proceeding against the Partenopei for the social media blunder.
The striker was in action for the club’s game against Udinese last night and even scored a goal, but was in no mood to celebrate.
Real Madrid attentive
Given the recent developments, Real Madrid are understood to have taken a note of the situation and are keeping a close eye on the matter.
The Merengues had been linked with a move for Osimhen during the summer transfer window as well, although nothing came of it.
But with the lack of a natural striker beyond Joselu becoming an issue, the Napoli hitman could become an option either in January or in the summer, if he decides to part ways with the Serie A giants.
Apart from Real Madrid, though, clubs from Saudi Arabia are also looking at Osimhen and would be willing to throw cash at him just like they did with several top stars during the summer window.
Chelsea, too, have an interest in Osimhen although they could find it difficult to sign him in January unless they make some cuts to their squad.
It remains to be seen if this leads to anything in the coming months but for now Real Madrid are closely watching the situation surrounding Osimhen.
