Real Madrid: 3 players who need to step up following Sergio Ramos’ injury
1. Raphael Varane
There is no surprise that the big French defender leads this list. Amidst the captain’s absence what Los Blancos will need the most is a leader at the back who can line up their defense and give the squad a sense of reliability. And, who better than Raphael Varane for the job?
The World Cup-winning Frenchman is arguably the best among the remaining options for Zidane. He knows what it is like to be playing in the UCL having won the competition with the Royal Whites and has plenty of Clasico experience to understand the urgency of the situation. Raphael Varane will have big shoes to fill in these upcoming matches.
The captain’s armband will probably be on Karim Benzema’s arm. But, Varane will have to showcase his leadership qualities in defense. Nacho has been a part of the white outfit for many years now, but he has been a regular starter this season only after Ramos’s knee injury. It is not to say that he isn’t capable but Varane has that edge of leadership over the Spaniard. Moreover, Varane is handy in front of the goal, having already scored twice this season. If need be, he will have to step up for the set pieces and make the absence of Ramos less-felt.
If Zidane chooses to operate 3 at the back, the two senior defenders’ (Nacho and Varane) role would be vital. He may even go for a pure 3rd defender in place of Ferland Mendy who would fancy his chances in midfield. In that case, young Militao may again be given a chance.
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Overall, Sergio Ramos’s injury is a huge blow for Los Blancos. Especially because the season has just taken such an eventful turn. With him gone, Varane obviously would be feeling most of the pressure. Both us Madridistas and Varane himself, know that he’d have to shoulder most of the responsibilities for the upcoming fixtures.