4. Nacho Fernandez
Nacho was the fourth choice centre back last season and with constant injuries, it looked like Nacho’s Real Madrid career might be coming to an end. Fast forward to March 2021, Nacho is a regular starter for Real Madrid. Though Nacho has been primarily a replacement for the injured Ramos this season, his performances have forced Zidane to switch to a back three so that he can accommodate Nacho when Ramos is also playing.
‘Gargantuan’ might be the right word to describe the 31-year-old’s performances of late. He has been rock solid in defence. Though he doesn’t have a clean sheet to show for this month, he has prevented many certain goals and did his job perfectly.
In a four-man defence, he has played in the Ramos role and was decent in ball distribution. But those runs he made into the box with the ball at his feet were simply amazing. The daring nature of those runs will definitely remind you of Ramos. he had control over the ball, and he used his physical strength to perfection. It’s generally rare to see such runs from a centre back, but Nacho has done that confidently on a regular basis.
What’s even better is that he poses a lot of danger from those positions he occupies. He has the ability to cross with both the feet and that 360-degree turn and cross with left foot against Sociedad is enough to explain his prowess. While playing in a back-three, he drifted towards the left a lot with Ramos being the anchor, which ensured him greater freedom and he made few penetrating runs against Atalanta. They had no option but to foul the La Fabrica graduate, to stop him from progressing.
He has been calm and composed in crucial moments and was often found in the right position at the right time in defence. People might criticise him for the only goal conceded against Atletico, but that isn’t enough to deny the fact that Nacho has been immense.