- Eder Militao is ‘the best centre-back in the world’, claimed his Real Madrid boss
- Carlo Ancelotti spoke against Barcelona ahead of El Clasico on Sunday
- The Italian believes Militao is not ‘perfect’ because he sometimes loses focus
Eder Militao is ‘the best central defender in the world’ according to his Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti but believes the Brazilian can improve.
The Spanish giants advanced to the quarter-finals of the Champions League this week after beating Liverpool and next meet another English opponent in Chelsea.
Now Real Madrid are turning their attention to national affairs and that is crucial as they go nine points behind Barcelona in LaLiga in El Clasico on Sunday.
In the press conference ahead of the big game, Ancelotti reiterated his praise for Militao, hailing him as the game’s best defender.
As Managing Madrid reported, Ancelotti said: “Militao is really fast, really good in one-on-ones, really good with the ball and he’s so good at heading the ball.”
The veteran coach also highlighted how the defender could improve and laughed as he lightly toasted the 25-year-old, who was signed from Porto in 2019.
“Maybe one mistake is that he’s not always 100 percent focused. So I can’t say he’s perfect. Oh, and he’s not that pretty either,” joked the Italian.
Militao joined Real Madrid four years ago and is part of the squad that has won LaLiga twice in three years as well as the Champions League trophy last year.
Ancelotti also praised Vinicius Jr for believing he was the best striker in the world and said he could move during Sunday’s game against Barcelona to try and be more successful in the game.
Ronald Araujo was able to prevent Vinicius from playing a key role in recent El Clasicos, something Real Madrid are keen to avoid as they try to get within just six points of their La Liga title rivals.
The 63-year-old also opened up about facing his former club Chelsea in another Champions League competition.
Real Madrid eliminated the Blues at the same stage on their rise to fame last year. This time, however, they travel to Stamford Bridge for the second leg, in a reversal of the 2022 scenario.
Ancelotti said: “It’s true that having the second leg at home helped us last season. I don’t know if that’s a disadvantage this time. I think the Bernabéu will help us in the first leg. I don’t think removing targets changes too much.
“We’re currently at a disadvantage in the Copa del Rey and in LaLiga but we’re on par with anyone staying in the Champions League.”
