La Liga 2018-19: Real Madrid 2-0 Real Valladoid Talking Points and Observations.

5) Sergio Ramos' fitness should be of paramount importance to the club

Wrap that man up in bubble wrap. The Madrid captain is the most experienced defender at the club, and he's certainly the only fit one available for the next few fixtures from the first choice as Varane Marcelo and Carvajal are on the sidelines, with Vallejo now seeming almost a permanent visitor of the Valdebebas medical facilities.

Sergio Ramos is easily the world's best defender on his night, and he's the best at starting attacks from the back and leading his team forward through sheer force of will. He has his moments in which he errs, and they've come around far too often than they used to in previous seasons, but every couple of games or so he puts in a performance that reminds the World why he is regarded as one of the best in his position and is a constant fixture almost in the FIFPro World XI since the past few seasons.

Real Madrid CF v Real Valladolid CF - La Liga

His fitness is now more crucial than ever given the club has only Nacho as the other first-team centre-back who is fit for action, and an injury to him could cause serious problems for the club, who aren't having the best attacking displays which could cover for a weakened defense.