Real Madrid star center back Ibrahima Konate has been one of the most impressive players on the team to start the 2026/27 season, as Madridistas can't believe Liverpool let this guy go for free and ever doubted him as a world class player. But in the same way they slagged off Trent Alexander-Arnold, they downplayed the Frenchman the minute they knew he was headed to Madrid as a free agent, and, once again, the Merengues are reaping the rewards.
Konate started both wins over Espanyol and Real Sociedad and was quietly one of the best players on the pitch with his physicality and man marking. He is a qualitiy passer on the ball who does not lose possession, but Real Madrid fans have been most impressed with his athleticism and intelligent off the ball, barely allowing the forwards any space when he marks them.
Real Madrid already had one of the best center backs on the planet in Eder Miltao, and while he was amazing when healthy, the Brazilian international has barely been healthy for extended periods of time and is actually currently injured again.
Eder Militao needs to be motivated by competition at Real Madrid
But even though Militao is a great player and does not necessarily need to be challenged in that way, competition is the life blood of a great team. And Real Madrid needed more competition at the center back position, including for Militao when he is healthy.
Eder Militao is a world class center back, but even players who are among the best need to be challenged to reach even greater heights and become legends. Injuries aside, it feels like Militao's development has stagnated since the 2021/22 season when he won his first Champions League, and that is something that can be said for a number of Madrid players who have not felt the true battle of competition at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Well, Militao's status as the top dog in the Spanish capital is being actively challenged during his absence by the incoming Ibrahima Konate, who has been tremendous thus far. Jose Mourinho thrives off healthy conflict and real competition in the squad, and he will relish the fact that Konate's great performances are going to lead to an even hungrier and more motivated Militao when the former FC Porto star is able to make his way back to the lineup. The pressure will do good for Militao to prove he still belongs as a starter.
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