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Not Ronaldo or Benzema: The Real Madrid Star They Secretly Miss Most

In recent years, Real Madrid has seen the departure of some of its most iconic players

By Luis Antonio Zamora

Carlo Ancelotti
Carlo Ancelotti
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In recent years, Real Madrid has seen the departure of some of its most iconic players. Cristiano Ronaldo, a legendary figure in the club's history, left for Juventus in 2018, and Karim Benzema, the club’s long-time striker, followed suit when he signed with Al-Ittihad in 2023. Despite these high-profile exits, there is another departure that has left a gap in the squad, one that might not be as obvious but is still incredibly significant to the team’s overall stability: Nacho Fernández. The versatile defender, who had been a fixture in the team for over a decade, moved to Al Qadsiah in the summer of 2024, and Real Madrid is feeling the impact of his departure more than expected.

Although he may not have the same level of fame as Ronaldo or Benzema, Nacho was an indispensable player for Real Madrid, particularly in terms of his defensive versatility. While the club has certainly managed to replace its attacking stars with players like Jude Bellingham and Joselu, there’s no one currently in the squad who can offer the same level of adaptability in defense that Nacho did. His ability to play in virtually any position across the backline made him an invaluable asset to manager Carlo Ancelotti, especially during injury crises or suspensions.

For over ten years, Nacho was the defensive Swiss army knife for Real Madrid. He could fill in at center-back, right-back, or even left-back when needed, allowing the team to adjust seamlessly to unexpected changes in the lineup. This was particularly important given the demanding nature of modern football, where injuries and suspensions often require quick adaptations. Nacho never hesitated to step up when his name was called, and his professionalism and loyalty to the club were unquestionable. While he may not have been a regular starter every week, he was always there when the team needed him most.

Real Madrid has often faced defensive issues due to injuries to key players like Éder Militão and Ferland Mendy. Without Nacho in the squad, these gaps become more pronounced. Although the club has quality defenders such as Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba, neither of them possesses the same level of flexibility that Nacho brought. Rudiger, for example, is a more traditional central defender, and Alaba, while capable of playing multiple roles, has often been used in a more fixed position. Nacho’s ability to slot in anywhere in the defense gave Ancelotti an extra layer of security in uncertain situations, a luxury that is now missing.

Moreover, the departure of Nacho highlights the delicate balance that Real Madrid has to maintain in terms of squad depth. In the past, having a player like Nacho allowed the team to rotate their defensive options without compromising on quality. With his departure, the club’s defensive depth is now tested more severely. This could become a critical issue in the latter stages of the season when the team faces multiple competitions, including La Liga, the Champions League, and the Copa del Rey. Depth is essential in maintaining a high level of performance across all fronts, and losing a player like Nacho has made this even more apparent.

Off the pitch, Nacho’s leadership and experience were equally invaluable. As one of the senior members of the squad, he often played a mentoring role for younger players, particularly those who were still adapting to the intensity of top-tier football. His departure leaves a void in terms of the club’s experienced leadership core, especially in the defensive unit, where young players like Antonio Rudiger and Antonio Blanco are still finding their way. Without Nacho, the squad loses a player who could step in and provide leadership and composure in high-pressure situations.

In conclusion, while the departures of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema were undoubtedly significant for Real Madrid, the loss of Nacho Fernández is proving to be just as impactful in its own way. His versatility, leadership, and reliability in defense were qualities that the team could always count on, and his absence is being felt more with every passing match. As Real Madrid looks to maintain its dominance on both the domestic and international stages, the need for versatile, experienced players like Nacho becomes ever more apparent.


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