Real Madrid’s Utility Man: Nacho Fernandez
What makes a player like Nacho want to take a rotational role Real Madrid?
Jose “Nacho” Fernandez better known as the ultimate Madrid utility man is showing his true worth as Madrid lacks some depth in the back line. With Varane recovering from holiday and his World Cup championship hangover, Ordiozolla currently recovering from injury, and Theo being sent out on loan. Real Madrid is going to rely on Nacho heavily.
People like to put Nacho under the radar because he is not a consistent starter for Los Blancos, and some people can’t even pinpoint what position he plays. Here is the real kicker and why he is such an important piece at Madrid, he can play almost anywhere.
Nacho is listed as a centre back and started the first game of the 18/19 La Liga season, right after serving as right back for Spain in the world cup with Carvajal recovering from injury. On top of that Real Madrid is currently looking for a backup for Marcelo’s position in Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso but most likely that will also be Nacho to fill that role as well. Not only was he covering a position some would say he doesn’t play, but he adapted to the new spot, under a new coach and thrived with arguably the best goal of the tournament in the World Cup. He continued to attack down the right flank just as if Carvajal was out there on the pitch still. I expect with Real appointing Lopetegui as the new manager Nacho will still thrive in any position in the back line.
What some fans lack to understand is why a player with Nacho’s ability wouldn’t go to a team where he would play a more consistent and bigger role. The truth is that Nacho arrived in Madrid at 11 years old in the youth academy and fell in love with the club that is his dream. Nacho has spent his entire career with Madrid and has some quotes to back up what he feels it really means to be a Madrista such as “You know that when you wear this shirt you have that responsibility.”
This is the same type of mindset that all great players have when they have served a club for many years. Marchisio is currently on his way out of Juventus after playing with the club for over 20 years, and his quotes almost match Nacho’s same idea of everything is for the good of the club. Marchisio was quoted saying “No matter what will be the next steps of my personal or professional life, it would appear therefore pointless or unfair to deny my heart and DNA will forever have just two colours.” This is a man that grew up in Juventus from a boy to a man just like Nacho, and when you give your players the opportunity to continue at a club they grew up in they never disappoint.
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They accept their roles because everything that they do they want it to be for the good of the club. Nacho has no problem filling in any position in the back and performing at a high level. Nacho will go in at times when he wanted more minutes when he feels more comfortable in a different position, when its cold, when it’s hot, when he is tired. Anything Nacho Fernandez can do for the good of Real Madrid it is seen as an honour to serve the badge.
My favourite quote of nachos that really tells you the kind of love he has for Madrid is a simple one when talking about competing in the first team, “When you are here you are playing at the best club in the world.” This is a player all Madrid fans should hail because although he may not be the best in just one position, he is the best at being able to play every position.
He has accepted the role to make Real Madrid as successful as they have been and if you look at his trophy case you can see he has been rewarded. Four Champions leagues, one Spanish championship, one Spanish cup, two Spanish super cups, and four Club World Cups. Nacho Fernandez versatility in multiple positions makes him Real Madrid’s ultimate Utility man.