Where do Vinicius Jr., Eder Militao rank among LaLiga’s most improved players?

3. Real Madrid CB Eder Militao

Now we can discuss a Real Madrid player. Eder Militao has been so good at the heart of the Royal White defense in 2021-22 that he actually has a case for being the best central defender in LaLiga. It is tough to evaluate because of how differently every team defends, but given Militao’s responsibilities and the way he has helped keep Real afloat in matches, he absolutely merits placement in the conversation.

Militao is averaging 1.6 tackles per game and 1.6 interceptions per game, and LaLiga attackers dribble past him just 0.4 times per match. In the Champions League, he is even more of a colossus for Real Madrid, averaging more than two tackles and interceptions per game against the best of the best in Europe.

It is often hard to believe he is 24 years old and in his first season as a Real Madrid starter, because he is just so cold. Nothing phases him. He will make the occasional bad mistake, but those are getting fewer and further between. His last big error was in a loss to Getafe in January, and before that, you’d have to go back to the first month of the season for his last major error.

Militao is a great passer out of the back who is willing to go for the home-run ball, including dangerous ones across the field to countryman Vinicius Jr.

Real Madrid have one of the best center back duos in Europe. Militao and David Alaba are even clear of Sevilla’s Diego Carlos and Jules Kounde as a pairing, and they are a huge reason why Real remain first in LaLiga despite some recent turmoil.