3 Defenders Who Could Replace Sergio Ramos at Real Madrid
Sergio Ramos is undoubtedly the best defender of his generation. The centre-back has not only been rock-solid at the back but he has also popped up with crucial goals for Los Blancos.
The Spanish international is also the captain of the Real Madrid team and he has been a proper leader for them as well. The former Sevilla defender joined Los Blancos as a youngster way back in 2005 and has so far made 603 appearances for the Spanish giants.
Next season Ramos will be 33 years old and he is clearly not getting any younger. It is likely that in one or two seasons he might not be the same player that he currently is. Hence, Real Madrid must start planning for life without their captain as soon as possible.
According to reports, Ramos could leave the Bernabeu as early as next season if club president Florentino Perez appoints Jose Mourinho as the manager. If he does leave then Real Madrid will have to replace him as soon as possible as they will want to avoid similar problems like they are facing due to their failure to replace Cristiano Ronaldo.
It should also be kept in mind that a player of Ramos' calibre and aura will not be easy to find. So, Los Blancos should focus on bringing in a good defender to replace the Spaniard.
Here are three players who can replace Sergio Ramos-
#3 Matthijs de Ligt (Ajax)
It seems like nowadays every top club is being linked with a move for the Ajax defender. The youngster, who is only 19 years old, has already shown very mature displays and leadership qualities. As a result, Ajax have named him their captain as well.
He is 6'4 inches tall and that helps him to dominate his opponents in the air. He has good physical strength and he is one of the best passers of the ball in the Eredivisie. The youngster is a very good player technically as well and he has got good pace too.
It can not be a matter of coincidence that clubs like FC Barcelona, Juventus, Arsenal and Manchester City have all been linked with a move for him. His quality is very much evident, and with his best years yet to come, he will only improve and become one of the best defenders in the future. He possesses great leadership skills like Ramos as well.
Real Madrid have reportedly joined the race to sign the highly-rated defender, who is said to be valued around €70 million by Ajax.