3 Real Madrid players who are already on the rise in 2022

CB Eder Militao

Now, Eder Militao was already a standout player in 2020/21 after Sergio Ramos’ and Raphael Varane’s injuries, and he was also fantastic to start the 2021/22 season. But he continues to deserve mention, as a center back is measured by their consistency.

Militao is going to make mistakes. Nobody is perfect, least of all central defenders who must cover as much ground as this young man does. But it is telling that after his error early against Getafe that gifted the match to the rivals, Militao has not made a significant error in defense.

He and David Alaba have kept Madrid in so many games this season, especially since that Getafe debacle. Real Madrid have conceded multiple goals just once this year, and that was against Barcelona in the Spanish Supercup semifinals with Alaba out injured.

Since the start of February, Los Blancos have four clean sheets. In the games in which they only allowed one goal, Militao (nor Alaba, nor Courtois, of course) could be faulted for the goals surrendered. And he did a lot to prevent any further damage, such as in the big game against La Real and PSG.

It isn’t often that you see a 24-year-old center back establish himself as a big-game player for Real Madrid. But that is exactly what Militao continues to do. He raises his game against the best forwards, which is so invaluable. Varane spoiled Madridistas by being so great at such a young age, but with a rougher edge to his play, reminiscent of the old duo of Ramos and Pepe, Militao is taking this to another level in 2022.