Carlo Ancelotti heaps praise on Sergio Ramos ahead of Sevilla clash
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti believes Sergio Ramos is the most complete defender he has ever seen. The Spain international began his career at the club in 2005 and has widely been considered one of the best centre-backs in the world. … Continue reading →

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti believes Sergio Ramos is the most complete defender he has ever seen.

The Spain international began his career at the club in 2005 and has widely been considered one of the best centre-backs in the world.

The 29-year-old has also showcased his versatility by making spot-starts in the midfield – most recently against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals – when the squad was shorthanded due to suspension and/or injury.

Speaking ahead of his side’s match against Sevilla on Saturday, Carlo Ancelotti heaped praise on the team’s vice-captain by saying Ramos is the most complete defender he has ever seen during his time as a coach.

“It’s difficult to compare him to other players,” Ancelotti said.

“There are defenders with technical quality, others with defensive qualities, and others who stand out in their ability to mark, like Cannavaro. Others like Barest controlled the defensive line very well.

“Ramos, if I had to place a quality on him, is the most complete. He has a bit of everything. Personality, skill, he manages the line well. He might be the most complete defender I’ve seen.”

Looking ahead to tomorrow’s match at the Sanchez Pizjuan stadium, Ancelotti said he expects another difficult encounter against Sevilla, with the home side currently neck-to-neck with Valencia for the final Champions League spot in Spain.

“It’s a difficult game against a very strong team who are playing at home,” the manager added. “They are on a good run of form. We need to be at our very best.”

Sevilla is unbeaten in their last 34 home matches, and have beaten Atletico Madrid and drawn with league leading Barcelona this season.

Last year, Real Madrid were defeated at the Sanchez Pizjuan. A loss this weekend could effectively end the team’s slim hopes of wrestling the La Liga title from Barcelona.

The Catalan club currently hold a two-point advantage and Ancelotti doesn’t expect them to drop points in their remaining four league fixtures.

“We are not sure that Barcelona will lose points, but we are confident we can win the rest of our games,” Ancelotti concluded.

“We are now in that very important part of the season where every game is crucial.

“I’ll put out the best possible team to beat Sevilla despite the fact we play Juventus [on Tuesday] because that game does not matter.”

Programming note: Sevilla vs. Real Madrid will be shown LIVE on Saturday starting at 2:00pm EST on beIN SPORTS and fuboTV (free 14-day trial).