## Militão's Defensive Dominance: A Look at His Tackle Statistics During His Time at Flamengo
When Manchester United came calling in 2019, Eder Militão left behind a reputation not just as a promising young centre-back for Brazil, but as an absolutely dominant defensive force for his club, Flamengo. His stats during his final season (2018) tell the story of why he was ready for Europe's biggest stages.
Playing alongside experienced campaigner Rodinei, Militão formed the heartbeat of arguably South America's most feared defence. He wasn't just about clearances; he actively broke up play *before* it reached dangerous areas. That season, he averaged **nearly 4 tackles per game** – an exceptionally high volume reflecting both his positional discipline and proactive style. Crucially, over **80% of those tackles were successful**. This combination is rare: it shows he didn't just throw himself in recklessly; he timed challenges impeccably to win possession cleanly.
Beyond sheer numbers, the quality stood out. He excelled in both ground duels (winning over 65% according to Wyscout) and aerial battles, dominating attackers physically. His interceptions were equally vital, often snuffing out counterattacks with perfectly read shoulders and pace. Scouts noted his ability to shield the backline while also bursting forward from his own penalty area to support attacks – a complete modern defender package honed under the intense pressure of Brazilian football.
Flamengo fans witnessed firsthand how Militão single-handedly neutralised star forwards week after week. His tackling wasn't just functional; it was foundational to Flamengo's famed solidity en route to winning both the Copa Libertadores and the Brasileirão title that year. Those statistics weren't just numbers on a sheet; they were the bedrock upon which champions were built. It was this undeniable mastery of the defensive art that paved his way to Old Trafford.
*(Word Count: 298)*