Xabi Alonso, the rising managerial star and current Bayer Leverkusen head coach, has made headlines with his public show of support for a key Real Madrid defender who has been plagued by injury problems. While not directly involved in Los Blancos’ day-to-day operations, Alonso’s opinion carries weight—both as a former Madrid player and as one of European football’s most respected young tacticians.
The defender in question is none other than Éder Militão, a central figure in Madrid’s backline when fit. After suffering a devastating ACL injury at the start of the 2023–24 season, Militão spent most of the campaign sidelined. His absence was deeply felt, especially as Real Madrid juggled domestic and European campaigns with a depleted backline. Yet despite the prolonged spell on the treatment table, Alonso remains firmly confident in the Brazilian’s long-term value to the club.
Alonso’s Admiration: “Militão Is Still One of the Best”
Speaking during a recent media session, Alonso addressed questions about some of the top defenders in world football. When Militão’s name came up, Alonso did not hesitate.
“Éder Militão is still one of the best central defenders in the world when he’s fully fit,” Alonso stated. “He has everything you want in a modern defender—pace, physicality, composure, and the ability to play out from the back. Injuries happen in football, but his quality is not in doubt.”
This show of faith is not just lip service. Alonso, who spent five years at Real Madrid from 2009 to 2014 and understands the pressures of the Santiago Bernabéu, knows how quickly narratives can shift when injuries become recurring. Players are often written off or viewed as unreliable, no matter how talented they are. In this context, his endorsement serves as a strong counter-narrative.
The Importance of Militão in Madrid’s Structure
Prior to his injury, Militão had established himself as a near-untouchable figure in Carlo Ancelotti’s defensive setup. Following the departure of Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane in 2021, the Brazilian assumed a leadership role at the heart of the defense. His partnership with David Alaba brought balance and dynamism to Madrid’s backline.
When fit, Militão offers a rare blend of aerial dominance and mobility, often serving as Madrid’s insurance policy against quick transitions and high defensive lines. His ability to recover ground, make last-ditch tackles, and dominate one-on-one duels made him a fan favorite and a cornerstone of Madrid’s defensive success.
Without him, Madrid were forced to rely heavily on Antonio Rüdiger and a makeshift rotation involving Nacho and young prospect Aurélien Tchouaméni filling in at center-back. Though they managed to navigate the 2023–24 season impressively—winning La Liga and the Champions League—the toll of Militão’s absence was undeniable.
Road to Recovery and the Path Ahead
Now in the final stages of his rehabilitation, Militão is expected to return fully fit for the start of the 2025–26 season. Club medical staff have been cautiously optimistic, and videos of him back in training have surfaced, showing him engaging in high-intensity drills and light ball work.
Madrid fans and staff alike will be eager to see if the Brazilian can regain his pre-injury form. Knee injuries, particularly ACL tears, are notoriously difficult to recover from, especially for players who rely heavily on speed and agility. However, the club’s belief in him remains strong—as evidenced by their decision not to seek a long-term replacement during his absence.
Alonso echoed this sentiment, saying, “I’ve had teammates who came back stronger after similar setbacks. What matters is the mentality, and Militão has always shown the mindset of a warrior.”
Madrid’s Defensive Depth: A Blessing or a Dilemma?
With Militão returning, Madrid’s defensive unit will be unusually crowded. Rüdiger and Alaba are still under contract, while Nacho’s future remains uncertain. In addition, young talents like Rafa Marín and Jesús Vallejo are pushing for minutes, and rumors persist about Madrid eyeing additional defensive reinforcements.
While competition is always healthy at an elite club like Real Madrid, managing egos and expectations will be a challenge for Ancelotti—or his potential successor, should the Italian coach depart in the near future.
Yet having a fully fit Militão back in the squad could solve more problems than it creates. His versatility and ability to slot into different defensive shapes give Madrid tactical flexibility, especially in tight Champions League contests.
A Vote of Confidence from One of Madrid’s Own
Xabi Alonso’s endorsement may be from a distance, but it resonates deeply. As someone who knows what it takes to thrive under the Bernabéu spotlight and as a potential future Madrid coach himself, his words carry not just sentiment but strategic insight.
For Militão, it’s another reminder that he remains valued—not just by his current teammates and coaches, but also by legends of the club’s past and possibly future.
As Real Madrid prepare for another high-stakes season, the return of their defensive linchpin couldn’t come at a better time. And thanks to voices like Alonso’s, the narrative around Militão is no longer abo
ut fragility—but resilience and redemption.
