Three options for Real Madrid to replace star ‘well below level required’

Robin Bairner

Updated: 25 Sept 2023 10:00 BST
7 min read

Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid, 2023/24 — © ProShots

Real Madrid’s 3-1 derby defeat to Atletico Madrid has left the future of central defender David Alaba uncertain.

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The 31-year-old was subject of criticism following the chastening loss, which saw Los Blancos’ 100% record in LaLiga this season obliterated.

Alvaro Morata scored twice for Atleti in the rout and Antoine Griezmann also notching for Diego Simeone’s side.

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Alaba was left bamboozled by Morata’s movement after just four minutes as the striker headed home a cross from the left, setting the tone for an evening in which the Bayern Munich man rarely looked comfortable.

Just 40 seconds after the break, Alaba was again caught out as Morata headed Atleti’s third.

The Austria international’s level was “well below” what was required from a Real Madrid player and has sparked debate as to whether a new centre-back is needed.

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Eder Militao is a long-term absentee in the heart of Carlo Ancelotti’s defence, and was limited options to replace him, Alaba has been thrust into the spotlight.

Nacho Fernandez has been tipped for more minutes going ahead but if Real Madrid do move in the January transfer window, who might they go for?

Real Madrid's centre-back options

Firstly, let’s assume that it is a player with strengths similar to Eder Militao that Ancelotti wants to replace, so any incoming signing will have to be strong in terms of their passing, defensive position and recoveries.

According to SciSports, here are three players Real Madrid could bid for.

Alessandro Bastoni – Inter Milan

Given the way Inter have started the season, they are unlikely to want to give up one of their key players in January, but Real Madrid would be remiss not to at least try to sign Bastoni. At 24 years old, he is one of the most promising up-and-coming centre-backs in the game and the type of player that a defence could be built around for years to come.

If Inter were even inclined to sell, he would likely cost too much for Los Blancos, who have their eyes on Kylian Mbappe next summer.

Joachim Andersen – Crystal Palace

Has established himself as one of the Premier League’s top centre-backs since joining Palace from Lyon, and at 27 this could be his last opportunity to make a move to a big club.

SciSports rate Andersen as the best-performing defender in England’s top flight in the early weeks of the campaign, and there will be plenty of interest in him during the forthcoming transfer window if his level is maintained.

Kevin Danso – Lens

Kevin Danso arrived in Lens last summer and has immediately set about making himself a star in the north of France. Strongly resembles Militao in the way he seeks to dominate his rivals with his physical power and is a player who is already being quietly linked to some leading clubs.

The Austria international is gaining experience in the Champions League this season, and should Lens continue to struggle in the first half of the campaign, a January sale should not be entirely discounted at the right price.

Danso, at 25, also has a margin of improvement to come in his game.