Real Madrid: 3 reasons defense can be even better next season

Real Madrid had the best defense in La Liga this season, but here’s why the back four could be even better in 2020-2021.

Although there were questions about Real Madrid’s ability to score goals throughout the 2019-2020 season, the club was buoyed to a 34th La Liga title on the strength of their world-class defense. No team in the league allowed fewer goals than Real, whose keeper, Thibaut Courtois, won the Zamora Trophy for the second time in his career.

Los Blancos have arguably the world’s best center back duo, and the same can be said about their fullback duo’s ability to challenge Liverpool’s. Real Madrid’s defense is elite, but here’s why it could be even more formidable in 2020-2021.

Eder Militao’s development

If there’s one concern about Real’s defense, then it is the questions related to their depth. They only had one strong backup center back last season, but Eder Militao proved to be a decisive player in his own right.

Take, for example, his performance at San Mames against Athletic Bilbao. Militao had to start with Raphael Varane unavailable due to a possible head injury, and he ended up being the Man of the Match. Without Militao, Real may have lost, as he made two goal-saving tackles on top-class La Liga forward Inaki Williams. Los Blancos would eventually win the game 1-0 on a penalty.

Militao has been strong throughout the season, and he looks like a player who can take another leap forward in 2020-2021. Just 22, Militao has a long-term future with the club, and he may be the most underrated defensive signing of the summer.