Raphael Varane has been a part of Real Madrid‘s setup since 2011, ever since Jose Mourinho requested for his signing after Zinedine Zidane’s suggestion. He has won a lot of trophies in these ten years, and he has been a definite starter for Real Madrid since a long time. But his journey at Real Madrid might actually be coming to an end this summer, with the Frenchman being linked to many top European clubs.
This leaves Real Madrid in a dilemma, with both of their starting centre-backs rumoured to leave the club. The club’s captain Sergio Ramos’ contract is set to expire this summer along with Raphael Varane’s transfer rumours throw the club into a difficult situation. The duo have formed a rock-solid partnership at the back, and their tremendous experience has helped Real Madrid from time to time, especially on the big times.
Though Real Madrid are set to sign David Alaba for free this summer, losing both Ramos and Varane, who are one of the best players in their positions, might be a blow to the club. Ramos might be 35-years-old now, so his departure might be expected to an extent, though he hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down.
But Raphael Varane is still 28-years-old, and he is about to enter his prime. He could actually be the leader of Real Madrid’s defensive line after Ramos’ departure. He might have been shaky since the last year or so, especially after the debacle at the Etihad. But he has tons of experience and a lot more to offer to Real Madrid.
There are reasons to worry about Raphael Varane’s potential departure from Real Madrid. But if there is one reason to lessen the worry about his future, it’s the emergence of Eder Militao in recent weeks, who has been one of the best players for the club in April. He might actually be Varane’s replacement in case of a transfer.
Eder Militao has been on the rise in recent weeks
Eder Militao has been brilliant since the game against Elche in April, after the international break. In the absence of an injured Sergio Ramos and a Raphael Varane infected by COVID-19, Varane stepped up in spectacular fashion in the all-important week which included two games against Liverpool and the El Clasico.
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He has been consistently world-class ever since he got a consistent run of minutes. And his most recent game-winning performance against Osasuna on Saturday has been the best of the lot, with him scoring the deciding goal to cap off a great outing. All this proves only one thing, Real Madrid should never let go of Eder Militao, at least in the near future.
After all, Florentino Perez invested 50 million on the young Brazilian while he was at Porto. It took us almost two seasons to realise how good Eder Militao can be.
It did take time, but it was bound to happen and Militao deserves a consistent run of games and trust from his manager, after the patience he has shown in these two years. Not to forget that he learned from one of Real Madrid legends, Pepe, at Porto.
He has been very pro-active in defence, and many glimpses of his gameplay suggest that he is somewhat similar to Raphael Varane in role. He is quick and has shown great intelligence and awareness to prevent danger before any damage, something which the Frenchman has done consistently all these years. And he is predominantly a right-sided central defender, the role usually occupied by Varane.
He might have been bought to help the club in finding a solution to life after Ramos. But Militao has been more of a deputy for Varane, with Nacho Fernandez being the first choice to cover for the club captain Sergio Ramos. He has struggled to get minutes in the last two seasons, but he has impressed the fans whenever he got a chance. And if Varane leaves at the end of this season, he might get more minutes or even become a regular starter for the club in that case.
This is not to imply that Varane’s departure might not be a big deal because of Militao’s emergence. Varane has the experience which young Militao lacks, which is heavily useful for big nights. But in case Varane leaves, Real Madrid actually have a solution in the current squad, and that player has proved that he has what it takes to start for Real Madrid.