For the last two seasons, Antonio Rudiger has been Real Madrid's best center-back by quite some distance. He is getting up there in terms of age, there is no denying it, but the performances he is putting in every week have been brilliant.
These last few weeks, of course, Rudiger has had to slow things down a bit because of fitness issues, but this season - generally speaking - he has been really good once again.
He has also played so many minutes since the start of last season, that you almost feel bad for him. Real Madrid cannot afford to see him get injured.
There have been talks about Real Madrid signing a center-back at some point. Be it Dean Huijsen or William Saliba, Real Madrid have been linked with someone or the other in the last few weeks, but they are not to replace Rudiger.
In a press conference before Germany's match against Italy in the quarter-final of the UEFA Nations League on Thursday, Rudiger was asked about his future at the club, and he said what Real Madrid fans wanted to hear.
He said: "In football you never know, but where I am now, I am really, really happy. I am not looking forward to leave any time soon. That's it."
Antonio Rudiger says he is happy at Real Madrid and wants to stay at the club
That is something all Real Madrid fans have wanted to hear for a while. Rudiger, despite being on the wrong side of 30, has to stay at the club for at least a few more years. He has shown no signs of slowing down so far, and Real Madrid could do well with his services in the future.
Rudiger's contract expires in 2026 and Real Madrid would want to renew it for a couple more years.
Even though Real Madrid have been reportedly showing interest in a few defenders, it is clear that they are not having those talks to replace a player like Rudiger. It is to complement Rudiger on the pitch, possibly give him more rest and some time to get back to his best level.
Rudiger, when fully fit, is easily one of the very best defenders in the world, and Real Madrid would not take that for granted.