Real Madrid are going to reward their surprise standout of the season

Real Madrid have two months left to finish strong in the 2020-2021 campaign, which has been especially grueling for every top club in European football. The games keep coming and coming, and the injuries with them.

Amidst all the injuries and issues, one player has stood out as a surprise star for Real Madrid, just one year after fans wondered if he could be headed out of the club.

Nacho Fernandez is one of the most versatile defenders you’ll find on the continent, and he is a Madridistas through and through. When Sergio Ramos went down with an injury, Nacho rose up and met the challenge, preventing Real from skipping a beat when, in the past, they so often capitulated without their captain. Remember last August at Manchester City?

According to a report from Onda Cero’s Edu Pidal, Real Madrid will reward their veteran center back. They plan on extending his contract, which ends after the next season. Pidal states that Real are “very satisfied” with how Nacho has played this season.

Real Madrid must keep Nacho Fernandez for longer

As they should be. Nacho has been amazing defensively, he’s played out of the press well, and he’s even done a great job of joining attacks like Ramos does. The Spanish international has shown schematic flexibility, too, starting in either back four or as a center back in the back three. Like last season, we have seen him at fullback, too, but he’s really stood out in the middle this year.

A lot of focus is on Raphael Varane’s future contract situation, as he and Dani Carvajal are big-name players on expiring contracts after this season ends. Marcelo is in the same boat, too. And, of course, Real are currently worried about Ramos’ deal, which ends after the current season.

It is great to hear that Real Madrid plan on keeping Nacho around for longer, and I am sure he is willing to do the same. Remember, he could have left after the 2018-2019 season, which was a disaster, and joined Julen Lopetegui at Sevilla. But he chose to stay and has carved out an important role as the third-choice center back, ahead of Eder Militao.

With the futures of Varane, Militao, and even Ramos uncertain, keeping Nacho becomes that much more of a priority. Lucas Vazquez, expiring contract, and Alvaro Odriozola, transfer list, could also be out, meaning Nacho’s versatility at fullback will be an additional boost he provides.