Author – Amrit Santlani
Eder Militão responded to his manager Carlo Ancelotti’s claims after the Real Madrid coach called the Brazilian one of the ‘best in the world’, but he said Militão needs to work on being more focused. Ahead of the important second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final, Militão said that he is still “on his way” to becoming one of the best defenders in the world.
Real Madrid have a 2-0 lead over Chelsea ahead of the second leg, which will be played at Stamford Bridge. Militão played in the first leg at the Santiago Bernabéu and was a rock in the Spanish team’s defense.
“I’m a pretty honest guy and, for me, he’s among the best in the world. He has everything; he’s fast, aggressive, fantastic one-on-one, strong in the air, good with the ball. He does have one problem, which is that he’s not always 100% focused and he’s not the prettiest to look at.” Ancelotti told reporters earlier.
Militão, however, feels he still has room to improve before he can be considered one of the best in the world.
“Everyone can have their own opinion. I think I’m on the right track (to be the best in the world). I feel I’ve been doing well since I arrived at the club, because there were great defenders ahead of me when I arrived, but little by little, (I) earned my place“, replied the Brazilian (via Madrid Coach).
The player also admitted that he has had lapses in concentration in the past that have cost him dearly, but he is trying to improve on that.
“I used to have some lapses in concentration, but I’ve been working on that. I think I concentrate a lot more now in matches. I have to keep improving. You have to work hard because there are so many good attackers these days. Brazil have always had impressive defenders, so I’m happy to be one of them.” Militão added.
Having joined the La Liga giants in 2019, Militao had to wait for his chances with Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varame ahead of him in the pecking order, but since his departure, he has become a key figure for Real Madrid. With a total of 131 appearances for the club, he has helped Ancelotti’s side keep 16 clean sheets this season, in a total of 40 games in all competitions.