After two serious knee injuries, Eder Militao has made a commanding return to form at the start of this season. The central defender has delivered standout performances against Juventus in the Champions League and FC Barcelona during the Clasico. Under Xabi Alonso‘s guidance, the Brazilian has taken charge of Real Madrid‘s defense, re-establishing himself as a crucial figure in high-stakes matches. AS highlights that the former Porto player has been nothing short of imperious as a defensive pillar.
Against Juventus, Militao’s statistics speak volumes: five duels won, six clearances, and four interceptions. In the Clasico against Barcelona, his defensive prowess was even more pronounced, winning nearly 16 duels against the Catalan side. He effectively neutralized Ferran Torres and stifled an otherwise potent Barcelona attack. Militao’s strong physical presence and aggressive style align perfectly with Alonso’s tactical vision, which calls for a higher defensive line and more intense pressing.
Tactical Mastery and Offensive Contributions
Militao’s impact isn’t limited to defense; he has also proven to be incisive in attack during these crucial matches. Against Juventus, he registered five shots on goal—matching the tally of none other than Kylian Mbappé. His performance peaked against Barcelona when he provided the assist for Jude Bellingham’s winning goal in a 2-1 victory. This dual threat makes him invaluable to Alonso’s strategy.
A Key Player Under Alonso’s Regime
Following his impressive display against Juventus, Xabi Alonso praised Militao’s critical role in defense: “Having Militao at this level is fantastic news. His exceptional performance is evident every match, and it’s vital that he has regained his confidence.” The coach noted that Militao feels stronger and more determined than ever, suggesting that further improvements are on the horizon.
Militao was cautiously reintroduced during the Club World Cup semifinal against Paris Saint-Germain, where he played for 26 minutes. Given his injury history, Alonso has been meticulous about managing his playing time early this season. He was rested in matches against Real Oviedo, Levante, and Kairat Almaty after experiencing some physical discomfort.
As one of the last bastions of defense for Los Merengues—especially with Antonio Rüdiger sidelined and David Alaba‘s recurring fitness issues—Militao embodies the experience needed to guide younger players like Huijsen and Asencio. Since a rough outing in the derby against Atlético Madrid, where he exited at halftime due to an ankle injury, Militao has been on a remarkable run of form. He has played every minute in the last four matches, closing in on 200 official appearances for Real Madrid as he embarks on his seventh season with the club.
With Militao back at his best, can Real Madrid count on him to lead their defense through a demanding season? His performances suggest they certainly can.
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