JAKARTA - Juventus center back Giorgio Chiellini expressed his admiration for the way Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos uses his dark arts in football.
During the 2018 Champions League final, in which Real Madrid played Liverpool, Ramos brought down Mohamed Salah in a way that ultimately forced the Egyptian forward to be substituted just 31 minutes after the match was played.
"He is the best defender in the world," reads a quote from Chiellini's new autobiography. Launched Marca, Sunday, May 17.
"They say he is impulsive, not tactical at all, the 8-10 goals against Madrid every season is his mistake. In fact, he is very technical and can be a striker, which is the opposite of me."
Chiellini continued, Ramos has two characteristics that almost no one else has. He knew how to be decisive in big games, with interventions that went beyond any logic, causing even injuries with an almost malicious intelligence.
"One of the things he did against Salah in the 2018 Champions League final was a masterstroke. He always said that he didn't do it on purpose, knowing that nine out of ten the way he knocked opponents down like he did (to Salah) and by not letting go , he risks breaking his opponent's arm. "
Chiellini then pointed to a direction where the Real Madrid defense appeared to be falling apart without their captain.
"The power that he transmits through his own presence is extraordinary," explained the Juventus captain.
"Without Ramos, some champions like (Raphael) Varane, (Dani) Carvajal and Marcelo looked like school children. They suddenly experienced setbacks. Real Madrid became a team without defense.
"With Ramos at (Estadio Santiago) Bernabeu, you can be sure that Madrid will not lose to Ajax by three goals. I'll bet money on that."
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