Sergio Ramos might be one of the most polarising figures in world football today, but there's no denying that he oozes talent in its abundance.
Honestly, let's face it: the Real Madrid and Spain captain was voted the best defender in the world last year, while he recently topped UEFA's best international player of the season.
In fact, Ramos has turned it up a notch when it comes to being in the final third.
That's right, the 32-year-old centre-back has had no problem when it comes to finding the back of the net, especially as he has scored 16 times this season across all competitions.
To put that into some perspective, he is two ahead of Liverpool's Roberto Firmino and six ahead of Juventus' Paulo Dybala.
Want a bit more perspective?
Yes? Well, posted below is a list of players from around the world that Ramos is either tied with or ahead of in the goalscoring chart.
- Mauro Icardi (Inter Milan): 16
- Gareth Bale (Real Madrid): 16
- Edin Džeko (Roma): 15
- Marcus Rashford (Manchester United): 15
- Robin van Persie (Feyenoord): 14
- Ousmane Dembélé (Barcelona): 14
- Paul Pogba (Manchester United): 14
- Dries Mertens (Napoli): 13
- Anthony Martial (Manchester United): 11
- Bernardo Silva (Manchester City): 11
- Philippe Coutinho (Barcelona): 10
- Thomas Müller (Bayern Munich): 7
- Mario Balotelli (Marseille): 5
- Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich): 5
- Franck Ribéry (Bayern Munich): 5
- Diego Costa (Atlético Madrid): 4
Not too shabby, eh?
It is hardly surprising that Juventus veteran Giorgio Chiellini called Ramos the best defender in the world last month, especially as he praised the Los Blancos skipper's ability to score from the spot kick.
"I already said it before our tie last year. Now he even throws the penalties. He is the best defender in the world at this time and he is deservedly so," he said at the time.
"He hardly makes mistakes and if he does one, it is because we are all wrong. He is a leader, both in the field and outside. He is one of those players who can influence both teams.
"Last season, [the] ninety-something minute it was 0-3 to our favor, but I think with Ramos it would not have happened.
"Not because [Raphaël] Varane, Nacho or [Jesús] Vallejo are not good, because they are, it is because he not only plays the game, but he makes others play.
"It's the difference between a good player and a champion. Sergio is an outside class, a top, of course he fails, but he does so many things that good, that he is the best."
Is Ramos the best defender in the world?
Let us know in the comments.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Los Blancos, Football News, Sergio Ramos, Football, Mauro Icardi, Roberto Firmino, gareth bale, Marcus Rashford, Paulo Dybala, Spain, Real Madrid