Real Madrid have confirmed on their official website that Nacho Fernandez has extended his contract with the club until the summer of 2023. It is believed that Spanish centre-back will now stay at his boyhood club for at least the next couple of years after putting pen to paper on a new two-year deal (via realmadrid.com).
Nacho’s Solid Campaign At The Spanish Capital
Nacho played a prominent role for Los Blancos last season when he managed to perform at a high level for them as a central defender. The 31-year-old scored one goal and earned one assist in 33 matches for the Madrid giants in the previous campaign across multiple competitions.
More importantly, the Spanish sensation gave a good account of himself on the defensive end of the field as he averaged 1.4 tackles, 1.6 interceptions, 2.3 clearances and won 1.4 aerial duels per game in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. He even distributed possession with a lot of care from the back after making 89.8% of his attempted passes in both those competitions (stats via whoscored).
Nacho was a rock at the back for Los Blancos last season, so it is no wonder that Carlo Ancelotti has moved quickly to tie him down to a new contract. At 31, the Spaniard still has a lot of football left in him to play at the top of his game and could help the Madrid outfit win some major trophies in the coming seasons.
Nacho Pens Contract Until 2023: Good Move For Both Parties?
Nacho has already proven his worth as a reliable presence at the heart of the Madrid defence. He is often quick to scan the danger and can make some crucial clearances for his side when the opposition are on the offensive. The Madrid-born player is primarily a centre-half but can also fill in as a full-back on either flank if required.
The 22-time Spain international can be a hard man to beat in a 1v1 footrace because of his quickness and has even got the strength to win some 50-50 aerial duels inside his half. He excels at playing his way out from the back and won’t have any trouble settling into Ancelotti’s playing style at the Bernabeu next season.
Los Blancos’ decision to tie Nacho down to a new contract seems like a good move for both the player and the Madrid club. The Spaniard can benefit from playing regular football in familiar surroundings while Ancelotti can hope to challenge for some major silverware with Nacho and Eder Militao anchoring his defence over the next few years.
