5 long-term replacements for a declining Sergio Ramos at Real Madrid

#1 Niklas Sule (Bayern Munich)

Sule would be a like-for-like option to replace Ramos

For a while now, Sule has been viewed as the long-term successor to Jerome Boateng for club and country. This is a measure of how good he is.

Due to his height and German heritage, the 23-year-old has often been compared to his fellow countryman Per Mertesacker. While Per was noted for his immaculate sense of positioning (a compensation for his lack of speed), Sule is fast for a centre-back. This helps him get back into defensive positions to thwart opposition attacks.

His height and physical strength make him tailor-made to replace Ramos. His self-confidence means he would not find it difficult to step into the Spanish captain's very large shoes. Despite his age, he is an excellent marshaller of the backline. He could easily step into the role of defensive leader and organizer.

If Real Madrid were to get his signature, he would cost them something close to what Liverpool paid Southampton for Virgil Van Dijk. Given his abilities, it could prove to be a brilliant decision.