Summary: After an illustrious 11-year journey at Real Madrid, Nacho, the Spanish defender, has been entrusted with the captaincy for the upcoming season. This comes as a surprise to many, as the experienced midfielder Luka Modric had been widely expected to assume the leadership role. However, Real Madrid’s tradition of awarding the captaincy to the longest-serving player prevailed, leading to Nacho’s selection. Let’s take a closer look at Nacho’s journey and his impressive contributions to the club.
Nacho’s Steadfast Loyalty to Real MadridNacho’s association with Real Madrid began at the tender age of 11 when he joined the club’s youth ranks. He made his senior debut in 2012 and has since dedicated himself to the team for over a decade. In June, Nacho signed a one-year contract extension, signaling his commitment to the club. Initially, there were speculations about his departure when his previous contract expired, but his loyalty and dedication earned him the captain’s armband.
Nacho’s Role as a Versatile Defender
Throughout his tenure at Real Madrid, Nacho has primarily served as a dependable backup player. His highest number of appearances in a single season came in 2016/2017 when he played 28 matches in La Liga. Last season, he featured in 23 La Liga games, averaging 60 minutes per match. Despite his predominantly supporting role, Nacho has consistently showcased his versatility and reliability whenever called upon.
Real Madrid’s Vice-Captains: Modric, Carvajal, and Kroos
While Luka Modric may have missed out on the captaincy, he remains an integral part of Real Madrid’s leadership group. Alongside fellow vice-captains Dani Carvajal and Toni Kroos, Modric brings invaluable experience and skill to the team. Notably, both Modric and Kroos recently extended their contracts with Real Madrid, rejecting lucrative offers, including a tempting proposal from Saudi Arabia, to continue their contributions to the club.
The decision to name Nacho as Real Madrid’s captain for the upcoming season showcases the club’s commitment to honoring long-serving players. Despite the initial expectations surrounding Modric’s captaincy, Nacho’s unwavering loyalty and consistent performances have earned him this prestigious role. As Real Madrid prepares for the challenges ahead, fans eagerly await Nacho’s leadership and the collective efforts of the entire team to pursue further success on the pitch.
