Real Madrid suffered a 1-0 loss to Liverpool in the Champions League, but it could have been more had it not been for this defender.
Real Madrid have had some great defenders in their history, such as Sergio Ramos, Pepe, and Fabio Cannavaro. Now, Los Blancos may have a center-back who is worthy to be mentioned alongside those names.
In the absence of Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba, Éder Militão has stepped up. The Br azilian put in another solid performance against Liverpool in the Champions League, even if his side went on to lose 1-0.
Had it not been for Militão and his goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, Liverpool would have scored more against Los Blancos at Anfield. Courtois made plenty of saves, whilst Militão produced an excellent block to deny Mohamed Salah from scoring late on.
The focus will always be on Real Madrid's star attacking players such as Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Jude Bellingham. However, credit must also go to the club's defensive players.
Militão's performances for Real Madrid this season have helped them occupy the summit of La Liga. He even scored against Espanyol and assisted Jude Bellingham's winner against Barcelona in El Clásico.
Xabi Alonso's side may have lost to Liverpool, but Militão performed admirably in victories against Marseille and Juventus previously in this year's Champions League.
The center-back's form has also seen him recalled to the Br azilian national team. He played 90 minutes in a 5-0 win over South Korea in an exhibition match. It helps that Br azil is now managed by former Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti, who knows Militão well.
Militão has 36 caps for Br azil and featured in the 2022 World Cup as his side made it to the quarter-finals before losing to Croatia on penalties. If Militão is to continue his impressive form, then he should be part of Ancelotti's roster for the tournament in North America next summer.
Alonso has been right to rest Militão when he can. This has included the player being left on the bench against Real Oviedo and Levante in La Liga. He also missed Los Blancos' match against Kairat Almaty in the Champions League.
Ancelotti used Militão against South Korea, but then rested him against Japan. Militão's workload must be managed as he has had a fair share of injuries during his career. This included a cruciate ligament tear last season, which was the second time he has suffered this injury.
Militão will be hoping that he stays fit and can enjoy a successful campaign for Real Madrid that can end with him representing Br azil at the World Cup next summer.