Finally, Nacho it will not be in the Eurocup. Despite culminating one of the best seasons of his career, the central defender Real Madrid he has not been able to get a place in Luis Enrique's list for the maximum continental tournament of national teams. The decision has created some suspicion in Madrid, which is supported by data to criticize the decision of the national coach.
Nacho has played 33 games for Real Madrid this season, most of it in 2021. In fact, since February 6, only one match has been lost and it was due to the accumulation of yellow cards. Of the rest (23), he has started at 21 as a starter. Diego Llorente, with the Leeds, has disputed 17 throughout the course, while Eric Garcia, of the City, has only been in 12 (three of them in the cup). Your partner Aymeric Laporte comes close, but has also played less (27).
Nacho's numbers are unquestionable. Only in League has recovered 98 balls (an average of four per game). Above it has also been a bastion as shown by its 31 aerial duels won. He has completed 14 tackles and has intercepted 40 passes, being the team's best defense in this last statistic.
In addition to the data, the Madrid central defender has stood out this year for perform excellently in some of the toughest games of the year. He has been a starter in all the matches of the knockout phase of the Champions in which Madrid has only lost one and has conceded five goals. In the League, in the matches in which Nacho has participated (24), the white club has a very positive balance: 15 wins, two losses and five draws. It was from the game in the two Classics against him Barcelona or against him Athletic from Madrid in the Metropolitan. To this must be added his versatility to play in the two profiles of the center of the defense and on both sides.
Nacho will have to wait for another opportunity. “I am very excited to return. I am in the best form of my career and I was very excited to return. Hopefully he changes his mind and can be on the next list, “he said in March after the last call. For now, he will have to keep waiting.