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Sergio Ramos is undoubtedly the best defender of his generation. The centre-back has not only been rock-solid at the back but he has also popped up with crucial goals for Los Blancos.
The Spanish international is also the captain of the Real Madrid team and he has been a proper leader for them as well. The former Sevilla defender joined Los Blancos as a youngster way back in 2005 and has so far made 603 appearances for the Spanish giants.
Next season Ramos will be 33 years old and he is clearly not getting any younger. It is likely that in one or two seasons he might not be the same player that he currently is. Hence, Real Madrid must start planning for life without their captain as soon as possible.
According to reports, Ramos could leave the Bernabeu as early as next season if club president Florentino Perez appoints Jose Mourinho as the manager. If he does leave then Real Madrid will have to replace him as soon as possible as they will want to avoid similar problems like they are facing due to their failure to replace Cristiano Ronaldo.
It should also be kept in mind that a player of Ramos' calibre and aura will not be easy to find. So, Los Blancos should focus on bringing in a good defender to replace the Spaniard.
Here are three players who can replace Sergio Ramos-
#3 Matthijs de Ligt (Ajax)
It seems like nowadays every top club is being linked with a move for the Ajax defender. The youngster, who is only 19 years old, has already shown very mature displays and leadership qualities. As a result, Ajax have named him their captain as well.
He is 6'4 inches tall and that helps him to dominate his opponents in the air. He has good physical strength and he is one of the best passers of the ball in the Eredivisie. The youngster is a very good player technically as well and he has got good pace too.
It can not be a matter of coincidence that clubs like FC Barcelona, Juventus, Arsenal and Manchester City have all been linked with a move for him. His quality is very much evident, and with his best years yet to come, he will only improve and become one of the best defenders in the future. He possesses great leadership skills like Ramos as well.
Real Madrid have reportedly joined the race to sign the highly-rated defender, who is said to be valued around €70 million by Ajax.
#2 Kalidou Koulibaly (SSC Napoli)
Kalidou Koulibaly is a defender who plays for Napoli in Serie A and he is considered as one of the best defenders in world football right now. Since his arrival in Naples, he has been a rock at the back for Napoli as he continues to improve his performances every season.
The former Genk FC defender's style of play is like that of a modern defender. He is very good with his passing and has good vision as well. He is 6'4, physically strong and possesses great pace as well. Koulibaly is known for his reading of the game and his versatility as well.
The Senegalese international is 27 years old and has got good experience. Though he may not be a leader like Ramos but he is certainly an outstanding defender, who is at the peak of his game. He can provide good stability to Real Madrid's defence and he is a player on whom Los Blancos could rely upon.
He was linked with a move to the Bernabeu in the January transfer window and Real Madrid were willing to offer €100 million for his services as well. It is likely that they will target him again in the summer but they will possibly face competition from the likes of FC Barcelona and Manchester United.
#1 Virgil Van Dijk (Liverpool)
In football, it is often the attackers who are given the credit for influencing games. But Virgil Van Dijk has shown the world that a defender can also bring a huge difference to a team since his move to Liverpool from Southampton in January 2018.
The difference in Liverpool's defence has been quite evident since Van Dijk arrival at Anfield. Not only is he an experienced campaigner but his ability to read the game makes him stand out from the rest.
Like Ramos is vital to Real Madrid's backline, Van Dijk is also central to Liverpool's defence and if he replaces the Spaniard, he could be the one around whom the Spanish giants can build their defence. He has also shown great leadership skills and he can be the one who can command Los Blanco's defence. He has already shown what he is capable of and he would be the perfect replacement for Ramos.
The Dutchmen has been tipped to join Real Madrid or FC Barcelona in future. Though it will be difficult to prise him away from Anfield, Real president Perez normally signs the player he usually set his sights on. Also, Liverpool's constant inability to win trophies could convince to make a move to the Spanish capital.
