Real Madrid: 3 players who need to step up following Sergio Ramos’ injury

2. Nacho

Nacho Fernandez has been brilliant for Los Blancos this season. Ever since the injury woes in defense, he has stepped up and put his best foot forward. It is no surprise that in Ramos’s absence the responsibility would fall back on his shoulder.

His role as a rotational player has now become a permanent starter and it is evident that Zidane has shown a lot of faith in the Spaniard. His record this season speaks for itself. In a total of 20 appearances in all competitions, he has managed an above 90% passing accuracy while winning 1.5 average aerial duels and making as many as 2.1 average defensive interventions per match, per Whoscored.

He has featured in the Champions League as well and has been vital in seeing them past Atalanta in the first leg whilst Ramos’s absence. He would therefore once again be asked to step on the gas and prove again how reliable of a club servant he is.

Nacho has also made it clear that he is up for contributing to the attack if need be. In his recent performances, he has been seen linking up well with the Madrid midfield. He has also been spotted at times inside the box trying to make things happen for Los Blancos. That could be a handy trait in the captain’s absence especially because Ramos is known to have that desire to score, may it be from set pieces or from the spot.