Real Madrid are getting serious about finding a player who can succeed their captain, Sergio Ramos. At present, Sergio Ramos is 33 years old but due to his early start, the record-breaking defender has over 700 total matches played. Hence, his club needs to find a replacement.
Real Madrid actually has Eder Militao in his squad. However, Zinedine Zidane’s team still needs a new, more experienced central defender.
Milan Skriniar
Real Madrid’s first choice fell to Inter Milan’s Slovakian central defender, Milan Skriniar. Skriniar has actually been a target of Real Madrid for a long time. Next season, Real Madrid will be more serious in chasing him so he can be lined up as the successor to Ramos. Especially since Real Madrid is not the only club aims for Skriniar. In fact, it cannot be ignored that FC Barcelona has expressed on more than one occasion its desire to add the Slovak defender to its squad.
The 25 years old professional footballer named Slovakia’s best U21 player for 2016, receiving the Peter Dubovský Award. Škriniar has been described as a defender who is “a strong tackler who is quick to make clearances”. He has been described in the media as the successor to former Liverpool icon Martin Škrtel in Slovakia’s defensive line.
Matthijs de Ligt
The other Ramos successor candidates were also from the Italian League. Aside from Skriniar, Real Madrid is also monitoring Matthijs de Ligt. De Ligt’s transfer is more difficult to materialize because he is still under contract with Juventus until 2024.
In 17 December 2018, De Ligt won the Golden Boy award, becoming the first defender to win the award.[6] The following season, he helped Ajax capture a domestic double and reach the semi-finals of the Champions League. His performances earned him a move to Serie A side Juventus
Kalidou Koulibaly
The last name associated with Real Madrid is Napoli central defender Kalidou Koulibaly. Napoli’s declining performance this season could make it easier for Real Madrid to sign him. The 28 years old player is currently vice captain of Napoli.
Currently considered to be one of the best and most complete defenders in world football in the media, his ability, playing style, tall stature, and imposing physique have earned him the nicknames K2 and The Wall from his fans.
