Sergio Ramos remains one of the world’s finest defenders
A regular in both the Real Madrid and Spanish sides for the last decade, Ramos has won the lot – even if he has ruffled a few feathers along the way (we’re looking at you, Liverpool fans).
On Monday evening, the 32-year-old was back in his hometown of Seville to captain his national side in their Uefa Nations League game against England. It would not go to plan for him and his La Roja teammates.
Their 3-2 defeat was the first time the Spanish national side had conceded three goals on home soil in a competitive match. It was also their first loss at home in 15 years.
Ramos scored with the final touch of the game to reduce the deficit to just one goal, but he and his fellow defenders struggled to cope with England’s attacking play during the early stages of the game – two goals from Raheem Sterling either side of Marcus Rashford’s effort giving the Three Lions what proved to be an unassailable lead.
Goals aside, one of the more enjoyable moments of the first-half for many England fans was the sight of Ramos being sent to the deck by what appeared to be a perfectly timed tackle from Eric Dier.
The Tottenham midfielder thundered into the World Cup winner inside his own penalty area, the back of his head thudding against the turf as he clattered to the ground. Dier won the ball, sending it out of touch, though – much to the bemusement of many watching – his challenge was deemed worthy of a free-kick and a yellow card.
https://twitter.com/ndyGerlis/status/1051941737311154177
Despite the booking, plenty of those watching – particularly some Liverpool supporters – seemed to rank it amongst one of their favourite moments of the match.
What I love most about dier cleaning Ramos up was that it was on the edge of Spain’s six yard line. Completely unnecessary brutality 👊🏻
— General Burkinshaw (@TsideSpurs) October 16, 2018
Settled down to watch England expecting a continuation of the post World Cup blues and I find myself enjoying the best first half since Germany 2001! Made or the more enjoyable by seeing Ramos clattered by Eric Dier #SPAENG
— Mr G (@iangills) October 16, 2018
Made a resolution this morning to be kinder to Eric Dier.
His tackle, which was completely legit, on Ramos last night deserves to be applauded and treasured for many years to come. He absolutely smashed him.
Like his penalty in the World Cup, ED always steps up when it matters. pic.twitter.com/MdCiGveg7F— Andrew Sleight (@andrewksleight) October 16, 2018
I want Eric Dier’s tackle on Sergio Ramos played at my funeral.
— David Squires (@squires_david) October 16, 2018
I could watch Eric Dier's tackle on Ramos all night 😯
— Ricky (@RickyMann4) October 15, 2018
