Serie A: Inter Milan CB Milan Skriniar
Midfielders Fabian Ruiz, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Nicolo Barella, free agent Franck Kessie, and even Marcelo Brozovic deserve mentions in this extremely entertaining league. But for my money, it is Barella’s and Brozovic’s Inter Milan teammate in defense who merits the mention here.
Real Madrid are not desperate for a center back, but I cannot stop raving about Milan Skriniar’s quality. Skriniar is one of the best central defenders on the planet, and Madridistas got to see that first-hand this season in the Champions League. A warrior at the back, Skriniar makes goal-line clearances that would make current Madrid No. 4 David Alaba and past Madrid No. 4 Sergio Ramos proud.
Though the center back duo of Alaba and Eder Militao has kept Los Blancos in game after game this season and can stand with any other tandem as the world’s best, Real have depth questions in central defense. Nacho Fernandez is the third center back, but who else is there? Is he good enough for that role? Can Real trust the likes of Rafa Marin already? I am optimistic, but…
Skriniar is the real deal. His power in the air and coverage are excellent. Skriniar is one of the best readers of the game in Serie A. In a league that is now known for its attacking quality, Skriniar is a throwback. He is the dream at center back, and as Madridistas, we can only dream of the best, correct?
Of course, there is one more player in Italy worth mentioning. He may be injured, but there is little doubt in my mind that Federico Chiesa will be back in a big way. Chiesa is another star at a big club in Serie A worth the attention of Madridistas, who surely took notice in the Euros.