Real Madrid: 5 players who still need to prove they can be regular starters

Eder Militao

Los Blancos’ defense is struggling with absentees like Sergio Ramos and Marcelo sidelined due to injuries. In their absence, Lucas Vasquez who is traditionally a forward has dropped to the right-back position. He is now backing his defensive duties alongside Nacho, Varane, and Mendy.

Lucas has been brilliant, he is all over the pitch. Crossing balls and making runs down the flanks in both ends of the pitch. But, as a natural forward he has also slipped up. He was at fault for the opening goal scored by Portu in their home match against Real Sociedad.

Eder Militao hasn’t had any appearances after Real’s shock defeat to Levante on the 30th of January where he was red-carded. He missed the next game against Huesca but also picked up an injury following which he hasn’t been seen on the pitch. We don’t know if his absence is purely due to his fitness or a tactical move my Zidane but it is for sure that the Brazilian has potential in him and can be a regular starter at the back.

Militao has only featured in 4 La Liga games this season and 1 Champions League fixture against Shakhtar. Overall he has maintained a passing accuracy of more than 90%, per Whoscored.com. He has been winning aerial duels and putting in his fair share of tackles and clearances as a defender. Overall, he needs to be given minutes on the pitch and most importantly battle his way into fitness.

He could be an asset to release Vasquez from his defensive duties on the right. Especially when the club is facing such a huge list of absentees that include vital defenders like Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, and Dani Carvajal.