Real Madrid’s rebuild under Zinedine Zidane has begun the right way with a move for Brazilian defensive powerhouse, Eder Militao from Porto
Real Madrid have secured the services of Porto defender and rising star Éder Militão, as he strongly imposed himself as a key player right from his first season in Europe. Will he turn out to be Danilo 2.0 or will it be different for the 21-year-old?
Making the transition from South America to Europe is never easy, but Portugal has always been seen as one of the best transitional leagues for promising Brazilian talent. Despite all the difficulties of adapting to European football, Éder Militão has been absolutely brilliant for FC Porto, with the evidence of having been named five times as the defender of the month in the Portuguese league – and the season is not even over yet.
Militão had initially impressed during his spell at São Paulo, proving that he can play as a defensive midfielder and as a right-back – before eventually settling for the latter, where he caught attention the most. This earned the stopper his first Seleção call-up.
Éder would however make the switch to right central-defense after his transfer to Portugal, and would go on to highlight his versatility by catching the eye in his new role, before eventually returning to the right-back spot around late January, due to team needs.
But it is in central defense where Militão has the highest potential to shine. And this is where he is expected to be used at both Real Madrid and Brazil’s national team. In fact, Seleção boss Tite has already made it clear that he prefers him as a center-back. Likewise, Real Madrid need a new central defender with Sergio Ramos aging and forever facing problems with suspension.
Tall, strong and dominant, Éder Militão is a real force of nature in 50/50 duels and aerial battles. Being able to play at wing-back or in central midfield can only be an added value for a 21-year old who continues to show dedication and professionalism, by obeying the coach’s orders without complaining or causing any trouble.
With vice captain Marcelo, Casemiro and Vinícius Júnior, Real Madrid will be set to host two new Brazilians in the next few months: Éder Militão and Rodrygo are arriving from Porto and Santos respectively. This would raise Madrid’s Brazilian contingent to five, which could only be positively translated to the Seleção.
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While Real Madrid is already out of the Champions League, Porto will be facing Liverpool in the quarter-finals. It will be the most difficult challenge for Militão since his arrival in Europe, which would offer the fans a chance to see what he is made of, against an opponent of such high pedigree.
Éder Militão could not have hoped for a better season than the one he is currently experiencing. A key player at Porto, set to join Real Madrid in the summer and is almost certain to be in Brazil’s squad for Copa América. The youngster is more talented than Danilo ever was, and has all the qualities to succeed at the Santiago Bernabéu.
