Real Madrid have been hot on the tail of Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck as they look to rebuild their defense in the summer. Many in world football have been filled with nothing but praise for the defender this season, with one of the greatest German players of all time backing Schlotterbeck as a top signing for Los Blancos.
German legend Lothar Matthäus has never been shy about giving his opinion on the modern game and modern players. He recently made his stance known on Schlotterbeck as a potential Real signing, and it's music to Madridistas' ears.
Schlotterbeck tipped to join Real Madrid
Matthaus spoke about Schlotterbeck's future and suggested that he looks Madrid-bound. He said (via Madrid Xtra):
"Schlotterbeck is doing well for BVB, but if he has the chance to go to a significantly better club like Real Madrid, then we can only wish him well and hope he makes the right decision"Lothar Matthäus
While there's no denying Borussia Dortmund is a big club in Europe, Real Madrid are the biggest club in Europe and when they come calling, it's almost impossible to say no and that's exactly what Matthaus is saying. He's got the quality that it takes to play for the biggest club in the world, so no one can knock him for making the jump at this stage of his career. Many fans were already sold on potentially signing Schlotterbeck in the summer, but getting the stamp of approval from a player like Matthaus only solidifies his quality.
The 26-year-old has all the attributes to be the next great center-back at Los Blancos. He's tall, extremely quick, good with the ball at his feet, and is a threat from set pieces, which is becoming more and more important in the modern game. He brings an intensity and aggression in the backline similar to what Sergio Ramos used to bring, which is something Real have desperately been lacking since the Spaniard's departure.
Real are planning a major defensive overhaul in the summer with expected departures of David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger, and Dani Carvajal, as they look to shape the squad for the next generation of Los Blancos and Schlotterbeck is planned to be a man player in that new generation. The defender is expected to be available for a fee of around €50 million this summer, which is pocket change for a player of his quality in the modern transfer window.