Why is Sergio Ramos the best defender in history?

A THREAD.

Criteria in order of importance:
1-Defending
3-Big game play
2-Leadership
3-Ball-playing ability
4-Attacking contribution

With some bonus quotes.

Firstly, DEFENDING.

It’s very hard to quantify defending by stats. Small teams make many more tackles because they’re always off the ball. So PAdj tackles were made. But more tackles aren’t good or bad, they only tell you about the defending style.

It’s always good to pair an aggressive defender with a “line” defender. Rio and Vidic, Varane and Ramos, Van Dijk and Gomez.

However the aggressive defender has to do all the dirty work, while not getting all the praise.

That’s the case with Vidic, and also the case with Ramos.

Sergio’s defensive ability is known to all, the best at defensive actions in the last decade. But some people seem to think goals conceded show that Sergio isn’t a good defender.

To debunk that, we’ll take the back 4 of Smalling, Jones, Valencia and Young......

Who only conceded 28 league goals, which is better than almost every Barca and Real Madrid side of the last 15 years.
That back 4 are well known to be terrible defenders. None of them are top 5 in their leagues.

Debunked!
Defensive structure is more important than defenders!

Ramos 1v1 is second to none. His aerial ability, while being short for such an aerially dominant defender at 6”, is second to no defender.

His aggression is also the highest of any defender. While he is always the first line of defense, he rarely makes mistakes.

2-Big game play

Ramos is second to no defender in his big game play. Starting and winning Euros at 21 and 25, starting and winning the World Cup at 23.

Ramos also put in performances of the highest level to keep attackers at bay while winning 4 CLs in 5 years.

While also contributing with 21 league goals in 3 league winning seasons.

3 goals in the semis and final of 13/14 CL against BAYERN and Atleti. Including THAT goal.

Another goal in 2016 CL final to get Madrid to extra time.

Ramos also started for the Spain team that won 2 Euros and a WC, and was absolutely world class defensively, while being a major attacking outlet. Both as a RB and a CB. Scored a penalty in the shootout win against Portugal in the Euro semis.

3-Ball playing ability

As a defender in 2 VERY attacking sides (Spain and Madrid), Ramos is required to be an active part of the buildup. And to play long balls to the forwards. Which he is second only to Barca’s Pique.

Ramos is one of the top 3 ball playing CBs in history.

Across 15 years of career, Ramos has gone from strength to strength on the ball. Comfortable playing a short pass or long pass. Even a very good crosser as an RB.

4-Leadership

Sergio Ramos is the best captain in the world. One of the best ever. Leads by example, very vocal, and not afraid to speak his mind.

He leads his defense very well, and is an imposing presence, which is why you rarely hear of trouble with him in the dressing room.

5-Attacking contribution

Sergio Ramos has scored 100 club goals and given 39 assists. While having 21 goals and 7 assists for Spain.

121 goals and 46 assists. AMAZING.

He’s also the highest scoring defender in La Liga, while taking less pens. And top 10 scorers for Spain.

Sergio Ramos is a polarising figure. You either love him or hate him, but there’s no doubt that he’s one of the best ever, and has a strong claim to be the ABSOLUTE best.

Some bonus quotes and media after this tweet.

There’ll always be lickspittles such as Steve Nicol from @ESPNFC who try to deceive the public into believing that he’s a bad player. But even Barca fans BEGRUDGINGLY acknowledge his greatness. As do Madrid fans with Pique.

The best defender ever.