Why Naldo is the best defender in the Bundesliga

The Brazilian has been amazing throughout the season at Schalke 04, and could even be called up to represent Brazil in Russia

When it comes to defenders in the Bundesliga, the most discussed names are those of Mats Hummels, Jerome Boateng, Niklas Sule and Sokratis. However, a 35 year old 6 ft 6 inches defender in the royal blue of Schalke has turned heads this season due to his excellent performances. Ronaldo Aparecido Rodrigues, or Naldo, as he's simply known, has been one of the most eye catching prospects in the 17/18 Bundesliga season. Brazil national coach Tite has stated that Naldo could potentially be starting for Brazil at Russia.

At the age of 35, where most professional footballers have lost their steam, Naldo has gotten better than ever. He's been leading from the front at the back (yes, you read that right), and has always been their for his team in any problematic situation. An excellent example would be Matchday 13 in the Bundesliga. It was the Revierderby, one of the most exciting and most awaited derbies the Bundesliga had to offer. It was a horrific first half for Schalke, as they went down 4:0. In the second half, Schalke turned the game completely over its head, coming back 4:3 at the end of regular time. An extra 7 minutes were added, and everyone wondered if Schalke could complete one of the greatest comebacks of all time. Lo and behold, Naldo stepped up, banging a header from a corner into the top right corner, salvaging a point. It was more than 8 years since any side had turned around a 4 goal halftime deficit in the Bundesliga, and Schalke did it through their main man, Naldo.

One of Naldo's main attributes is his power in the air. He's excellent at aerial duels. He uses his immense muscular strength and speed to win the ball back. He's won 73% of his challenges this season. Hummels, Boateng and Sule combined, have 3% less. He has a 91% pass completion rate. Sule though, has 92 percent.

Always a threat from free kicks, and the knack of scoring late goals has helped Naldo overtake Ze Roberto as the top scoring Brazlian in the Bundesliga. He whirled in an amazing free kick in the Revierderby at the Veltins Arena, helping Schalke to a 2:0 win. Naldo has been elected a starter in the 17/18 Bundesliga Team of the Season as well, along with Leverkusen's Timothy Wendell, and Bayern's Hummels, Sule and Kimmich.


Naldo scored from a long range free kick against Dortmund

Do you think Naldo could play for Brazil in the 2018 FIFA World Cup at Russia? Let us know in the comments below!