Real Madrid: Ranking the top five players of April 2021

2. CB Eder Militao

Eder Militao was a serious candidate to be Real Madrid’s best player in April. He received his first start since January against Eibar, impressing with seven aerial duels won. But he didn’t truly break out until the first leg against Liverpool, because Raphael Varane tested positive for COVID-19 earlier that day with Sergio Ramos already injured.

The former FC Porto man slotted in next to Nacho Fernandez and played well. He played well against Barcelona the following weekend. But he saved his true heroics for the 0-0 clean sheet draws with Liverpool and Getafe. Real Madrid surely would have lost the latter game without him.

And Militao was likewise exceptional against Cadiz, Real Betis, and Chelsea, standing out as the only quality defender for the full 90 minutes vs. the Blues.

It was incredible watching how Militao, who was previously fighting for minutes, suddenly became the most in-form defender on a team that boasts central defense as its strongest position. The 23-year-old showed composure and a defensive intelligence beyond his peers, and he quickly won the trust of Madridistas after his string of performances against Liverpool and Barcelona. After some uncertainty regarding his future in Madrid, it’s clear that Militao is here to stay.