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Right-back - Lucas Vazquez
Lucas Vazquez has had his fair share of criticism during his time with Real Madrid, but every manager who has taken over the club has regarded him highly.
The Spain international is not a glamorous player, but is a hard worker and a team player. Vazquez was a product of the Real Madrid academy, but made his name at Espanyol as a winger. He returned to Madrid in 2015 for nearly £1 million, but few would have expected him to last this long at the club.
It is a credit to Vazquez's determination and tenacity. The 30-year-old has been utilised in recent seasons as a right-back, due to his defensive prowess. Vazquez is a good squad player to have, and he deserved his new contract, which he signed earlier this year.
Centre-back - Eder Militao
With both Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane gone, the onus has fallen on Eder Militao to become one of Real Madrid first-choice centre-backs.
Militao did not come cheap, though. Real Madrid paid Porto £45 million for his services in 2019. He was behind Varane and Ramos in the pecking order before this season, but is now the club's starting centre-back. The Brazil international is physically gifted and comfortable on the ball, and has the qualities to become a Real Madrid starter for the next few years.
The 23-year-old is still developing, but at a club like Real Madrid, a player does not get a lot of time to impress. After two quiet seasons with the club, the time has come for Militao to shine now.
Centre-back - David Alaba
Real Madrid's big signing this summer, David Alaba joined the club after his contract with Bayern Munich expired.
Alaba is one of the best players in the world, and is renowned for his versatility. Capable of playing as a centre-back, left-back, midfielder and winger, the Austria international has immediately assumed the role of Real Madrid's defensive leader.
Alaba was clearly signed to replace the outgoing Sergio Ramos. While it would not be fair to compare the two juggernauts of the game, Real Madrid did well to acquire the 29-year old as a replacement for Ramos.
Left-back - Ferland Mendy
It is difficult to describe Ferland Mendy's time at Real Madrid. Los Blancos paid Lyon £43.2 million for his services in 2019, and the left-back has enjoyed some good moments.
Real Madrid sold Sergio Reguilon, Theo Hernandez and Achraf Hakimi, three players who were seen as the ideal Marcelo replacement. Mendy was identified as Marcelo's successor, and the France international is now the club's first-choice left-back.
While Mendy does not have Marcelo's attacking verve, the left-back boasts strong defensive qualities. The 26-year-old started the season with some injury issues, but started against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League a few days ago.
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