Real Madrid: Grading every center back from the 2020-2021 season

CB Nacho Fernandez

With 24 total appearances in LaLiga, we saw more of Nacho Fernandez this season than Sergio Ramos. And if we are talking purely about consistency, Nacho was probably the best center back on the team this year, considering the amount of matches he played and the amount of big-game performances he had.

It’s stunning to see that Luis Enrique has snubbed Nacho from the Spanish national team, considering he was one of the most impressive center backs in LaLiga this season, especially when the calendar flipped to 2021 and Ramos missed games.

Nacho’s versatility in a back three or at left or right back helped Real Madrid, but he was truly at his best as a left-sided center back in a back four. He showed incredible leadership qualities in taking the mantle from Ramos, even charging up to join the attack. And who can forget that crucial winner he scored at San Mames in the second-to-last match of the season?

Solid with the ball at his feet and in reading the game, Nacho ensured that there was no real drop-off between himself and the legendary No. 4. That takes some doing, and Nacho deserves all the praise in the world from Madridistas. Coming into the last two seasons, there were whispers of a possible transfer, but, now, Nacho has become a veteran pillar of this defense. He could even start next season.

Rating: 8.0