Real.theoffside.com 10/03/2011
Real Madrid is not exactly known to buy big money defenders. But when someone like Florentino Perez goes out of his way to pay 27 million euro for a defender (which also happens to be the most we’ve ever paid for a Spaniard) very close to a transfer deadline, you know the player is special. This was the scenario when Sevilla starlet Sergio Ramos joined us in 2005 at the ripe old age of 19. Inheriting the number 4 which was last famous for the iron-man Hierro, Ramos had more than just a footballing career to live up to. He has been vital for us for the most part of his Real stay. He has also been here long enough that he now is the vice-captain of the team and has become one of those people who learn to bleed white. This season though, several people have doubted him, and his form in some games hasn’t helped either. This post is to try and take a look why.
I must bring to your notice some words from a Guest author Tanuj Lakhina who writes for a blog called The Real Madrid fan You should check out the Know thy Madridista section in that, its fun! Tanuj was going to contribute a guest post on Ramos, and it just so happened that I was thinking about writing one too. The cool thing is, that we have opposite views, so there is a good scope for discussion, and thats what make blogs so awesome. Thanks for contributing Tanuj. Here is what he had to say.
Vice captain – Sergio Ramos has been rumoured to nearing the exit door with AC Milan, Chelsea and Manchester United (amongst the many) interested in the Spaniard. While many would speculate it to be as nothing less than transfer rumours and pointless, it makes sense when you see how powerless he can be when it comes to defencive duties.
This season with the inclusion of Carvalho and the renaissance of sorts for Marcelo as a winger in attack and also defensively, things have looked better for us. The testament of this is the fact that we have a 50% clean sheet record up until now (before game against Racing Santander) and 19 goals conceded. The combination of Pepe and Carvalho in the centre of defence has been immaculate with both these players giving it their best to get the team out of difficult situations and maintaining a positive situation. Over on the right side of defence, things have looked jittery to be honest. Not that Ramos has been left exposed excessively but his temperament and giving away cheap fouls has been the biggest predicament this season.
Ramos has played 21 games in the league this season with 1 goal against Athletic Bilbao in November where he took the penalty despite Ronaldo being the accustomed penalty taker, which didn’t go down well with Mourinho in the stands. In his absence, Arbeloa has taken to the pitch and did well to cover up.
Actually Ramos has been more in the news for all the wrong reasons rather than the good ones. He went bonkers in the horrendous game against Barcelona at Nou Camp earning himself a red card for a pathetic foul on Messi from behind and shoving Puyol and Xavi after it.
And another situation where Ramos and Alonso were instructed to get themselves sent off against Ajax so they could have a clean slate in Europe. It may have been Mourinho’s plan to get them sent off deliberately but it still put a dent on his reputation.
Its not the first time Ramos’ defensive abilities have been questioned. Time and time again, he has been left stranded due to his positioning. His forays forward in previous seasons left our defence stretched on various ocassions especially on the right side. Luckily, that aspect has been covered or reduced considerably this season as we employ Angel Di Maria or Ozil to play on those flanks meaning Ramos has lesser ground to cover in situations of a counter attack.
Its a good thing we have more options in defence than before but over on the right side, am still not totally convinced on how the things are. Are you?
I felt that was maybe a bit harsh because my view is completely contrary. In fact I was trying to find a pattern as to why Ramos could be subject to such criticism, because it has happened that regulars are regularly calling for him being replaced by Arbeloa for ‘more defensive’ assignments, and are ready to pinpoint mistakes. More than defending him, this is an inquisition as to why there could be a dip in form, if any.
Lets take a look at some numbers. Our primary central defenders Carvalho, Pepe and Albiol have 25, 17, and 12 appearances in the league out of a possible 27. Sergio has 22. My point is, noticably Pepe and Albiol haven’t featured in many games, and Sergio has had to standby sometimes at CB. And thus, even though his primary (not natural) position is RB, he has played CB and has been impressive there. Then count, niggles and suspensions which have prevented him to get a continuous run at any position. That is partly the reason in my opinion as to why we may not be seeing the best of him this season.
Another major change in this season as opposed the last few is the resurgence of Real’s LB being a potent attacking threat. In the last few seasons we have had rather poor/not-so-attacking left-backs and hence you had Ramos raging up and down the right flank. Now with Marcelo’s most improved player like performances, Ramos has been asked by Mourinho to take a more defensive role in the formation. Not only does this limit him as a player, but also is something he needs to get used to, and as funny as his youth/experience combo is, it takes time. Recently we have seen a steady development of consistency in his performances at Right Back.
People often criticize Ramos for his hot headedness. I know I am not alone in this, but I actually like that about him. I admire the fact that he has turned into a core Madridista and will defend the club in whatever circumstances. I love the fact that he does things like this, asking a reporter during the World Cup who questioned Pique about something and wanted the answer in Catalan, if he wanted the answer in Andalusian as well. I love the fact he is not afraid to back down when players like Puyol try to rub salt into wounds while leading 5-0. It just may be a personal thing, but I love people who are not afraid to show their emotion. It may border with stupidity, but I feel more often than not he knows what he is doing. With age, he will learn to control aggression, and turn it into leadership. Honestly I don’t see him going anywhere. We don’t want him out, he doesn’t want out, and he will go down in history (not just as the youngest to get most red cards) books as a great Real defender and a true Madridista.
Which side are you on? What makes people by default think that if it is a tough game lets bench Ramos and play Arbeloa? Because truth be told, Ramos is the vastly superior player. Arbeloa is just a great utility guy. Did we see a dip in form if any and am I going too far in saying that is over going by the last few games. Personally I am a big fan of the guy. When a friend asked me to name my top 3 favourite Real Madrid players, Ramos figured in that list without second thoughts. What do you feel about Tanuj’s views as well? Big thanks once again to him for contributing. Comment away.
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