Real Madrid Transfers: 5 overlooked defenders to target

2. Wolfsburg CB Maxence Lacroix

On number two, I have placed the best ball-playing central defender I could think of who has never been in links with Real Madrid but who I strongly feel must be seen as a possible transfer target. Wolfburg’s Maxcene Lacroix has been a strong pillar for the German side for a couple of years now and has made quite a case for a future at a big club. He is just 21 right now and would be the perfect player to target for Real Madrid at central defense.

The thing that stands out the most about Lacroix is his ball-playing abilities. He loves launching long balls. The season has just started and he already averages 5.7 long balls completed per game in Bundesliga and 4.5 in the Champions League, per WhoScored. Although he hasn’t had much luck with goal contributions he is making it up with his performances at the back.

His numbers for tackles have been very impressive this season. However, he shines exceptionally in clearances averaging more than four every game in all competitions. He is a player with a skill set very similar to David Alaba in terms of ball-playing and venturing ahead in an attack.

He could be a great rotation piece to the mainstay partnership between Eder Militao and David Alaba. He is just 21 years old and playing with Alaba can be beneficial for the young man. The best part is that at 190 cm of height, he does fabulously well in the air. A look at his career stats in aerial duels is enough to suggest that. He, therefore, could be the one to pursue if the deals for Jules Kounde or Pau Torres get too over budget. Transfermarkt values Lacroix at 28 million euros and that should make for a lucrative deal for a player of his qualities. Lacroix recently signed a new contract with a reported 40 million euro release clause.