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Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique share a rivalry that sets the tone for the El Clasico. Although the two may share an outstanding bond off the field, when they are against each other they forget about everything else. The Spanish connection unites them and the rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona divides them.
The comparisons between the two centre-backs have been on for a decade now. That just goes on to show that they are still two of the best defenders in the world. Both have also won numerous trophies with club and country while playing with and against each other.
Here, we take a look at 3 reasons why Sergio Ramos has had a better career than Gerard Pique.
3. A knack for goals
Ramos is a centre-back who is known for scoring goals in clutch moments. The Spanish international likes to venture in the opposition team's box. He has scored a total of 89 goals for Real Madrid and is vying for more. Meanwhile, he has scored 21 goals for the Spanish national team.
The Real Madrid captain is one of the best headers of the ball and is a constant threat from set-pieces. Ramos is in charge of the penalty duties for both Los Blancos as well as Spain national team. He is famous for some outrageous Panenka penalties, too.
Ramos' goal-scoring instincts have been significant for Real Madrid as he has bailed them out numerous times. One of his most famous goals is the legendary equalizer against Atletico Madrid in the dying moments of the game. His goal forced the game into extra-time following which Real defeated Atletico 4-1 to seal La Decima in 2014.
Ramos surpassed his own record of 10 goals set in 2017 as he scored 14 goals for club and country in all competitions in 2018/19.
Also Read: Top 5 goalscoring defenders of all time
2. Ramos is better defensively
Although Ramos and Pique have different styles of play, the former has been named the best defender by many world-class strikers. While the Spanish captain is aggressive by nature, the Catalan is more composed. The Real Madrid defender has also made it to the FIFPro XI a record 10 times.
Ramos has a better track record of successful tackles. Taking into count this season's stats, the Real defender makes 1.6 tackles per 90 minutes successfully to Pique's 0.9. The 33-year-old remains a master at making crunching goal-saving tackles. Meanwhile, the Spanish captain is also better at aerial duels with a success rate of 55%, and Ramos makes 1.6 interceptions each game to Pique's 0.9. Ramos reads the moves of opponents better than anyone else and that helps him intercept incisive passes.
Moreover, the Real Madrid defender has some pace to burn and can trackback after getting beaten to block or challenge the opposition player, which is something Pique lacks. Ramos can dribble past opponents with ease and, in addition, has excellent vision for long balls that helps him switch play with ease. The Real captain successfully completes 5.8 long balls per 90 minutes.
Also Read: A Combined XI of players playing in European capitals
1. Ramos is a born leader
Ramos is a born leader and that is the sole reason why he is leading two of the most prestigious football teams in the history of the game. After Iker Casillas left, Ramos was handed over the captaincy at Real Madrid as well as with Spain.
Ever since assuming the role, Ramos has led Real Madrid to three UEFA Champions League titles in 4 years. A serial winner by nature, he led the team to a historic three-peat which no team has ever been able to achieve. He also led Los Blancos to their first La Liga title in the post-Jose Mourinho era in 2017.
Ramos was chosen to lead the national side due to his experience as he is the most capped player and has 170 appearances to his name. Although Spain have not been able to replicate their success under previous regimes, they are on the path of resurgence under Ramos.
The 33-year-old stands up for his teammates and the manager. He is the ideal man to lead a side as he is willing to take one for the team, his players and the shirt he dons.
Also read: 3 reasons why Real Madrid could win the LaLiga this season
