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It would be difficult to find a Spanish soccer fan who does not believe that Sergio Ramos is the best defender in the history of the country.
After all, Ramos was there as a right-back when Spain ended their 44-year wait for a major title by winning Euro 2008.
He was there two years later, again as a right back, when Spain claimed their first World Cup.
And he was there in the center of defense in 2012 when they achieved three consecutive victories in unprecedented tournaments.
He was there in 2014 when Real Madrid became the first team to win 10 European Cups. And, let’s face it, they wouldn’t have done it without their 93rd minute EQ.
And Ramos was there in Milan, in Cardiff and in Kiev as Real did over and over again.
So the latest milestone reached by the 34-year-old on Tuesday night, when he scored his 100th goal for Real Madrid in their 3-2 Champions League win over Inter Milan, is simply an ornament. more for a remarkable career.
Obviously, the central halves don’t stand out for their goals, although it’s a useful trait for any team, so getting a century out is hugely impressive.
The question arises: is Ramos the best defender of all time?
Readers of France Football magazine certainly think so. In one poll, 68 percent of voters answered “yes” to that same question.
It probably depends on which era of football you are most familiar with. While Ramos is undoubtedly the biggest achiever of the 21st century, there will be senior acolytes from Bobby Moore, Franz Beckenbauer, Franco Baresi, Marcel Desailly, Daniel Passarella, Matthias Sammer, Paolo Maldini, Fabio Cannavaro and others.
But Ramos’ case grows stronger and stronger. With 23 goals in 175 games for his country, Ramos is the top scorer in the history of international football.
He is also the highest-scoring defender in LaLiga history, having surpassed Ronald Koeman’s 67 count in June. Ramos currently stands at 72.
Obviously Koeman, the current Barcelona manager, spent much of his career in midfield and did not spend as much time in Spanish football.
However, the goals are simply an advantage for any defender. What really counts is influence, leadership and, at the highest level, money.
Ramos has won 22 trophies with Real and three with Spain, undoubtedly enough to place him among the best defenders of all time.
This includes the World Cup, two European Championships, four Champions League crowns, three UEFA Super Cups, four FIFA Club World Cups, five LaLiga titles, two Spanish Cups and four Spanish Super Cups.
However, Ramos is behind his defensive partner from Spain, Gerard Piqué, who has accumulated 32 honors with Barcelona and his country.
Fans will point out the important interventions of Ramos, who scored that last-gasp draw against Atlético de Madrid in the 2014 Champions League final and also scored against the same rivals in the 2016 final.
Five of his century of goals have come in Clasico fixtures against Barcelona, including a goal in the 82nd minute and a draw in the 90th minute.
But his old club, Sevilla, has been the one that has suffered the most at his hands, with seven goals, followed by Atlético and Athletic Bilbao with six each.
Ramos brought out his century of goals in his 659th game with Real. Fourth on the all-time list, he closes in on Manuel Sanchis (710), Iker Casillas (725) and Raúl (741) and should catch them if he can get a couple more seasons.
That remains eminently possible while Ramos remains crucial for Real and their coach Zinedine Zidane.
He played in 44 games last season, missing just three in his successful league campaign, and recorded 13 goals, the best of his career. Taking responsibility for penalties has helped him increase his total.
His goal against Inter helped save a Champions League campaign that already seemed in jeopardy after a loss to Shakhtar Donetsk and a draw with Borussia Monchengladbach.
Take Ramos out of the team and Real tends to retire. They did it against Shakhtar and also against Manchester City in the Champions League last season, when Ramos was sent off in the first leg for a professional foul on Gabriel Jesus and missed the return.
He has never been perfect on defense. Ramos is hasty and under-positioned at times, but at 34 and almost 17 years after his debut for Sevilla in February 2004, he is still the best.
This is why Zidane was unequivocal when asked if Ramos would extend his contract beyond its expiration at the end of this season.
As always, he is our captain, our leader. We want him here forever, it’s what he’s doing, showing that he always wants to. I have no doubt that he will stay and that he will continue to make history. ‘
Indeed, Ramos and Real Madrid have reportedly started talks about a new contract.
Ramos is out of contract at the Bernabéu next summer and could speak to foreign clubs about a possible free transfer in January.
Reports in Spain suggested that Real Madrid want to stick to its policy of handing out 12-month deals to players over the age of 30.
But ESPN also claims that Ramos wants to stay until June 2024, which means that he would need a new three-year contract and would be with the club until he is 38 years old.
Zidane, apparently, would side with his central star.
Most Spaniards would say that he is the best defender ever and there are a growing number around the world who would agree with them.
Source: m.allfootballapp.com
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