As someone said a couple of days ago, Real Madrid would probably concede less goals and score more if he played as #9
Man, what a load of shite. And I know you're probably being half-joking half-serious.
Why is Pepe-Ramos pairing near impervious in top matches for the past 2 years? Why did Varane-Pepe pairing not work long-term whenever called upon? Why does Nacho overperform consistently whenever Ramos is on the pitch? Answer to all of these is - because of Ramos' captainship. He knows who needs telling off and when. He knows who needs support and when. He knows EXACTLY what to say to pricks with microphones looking for sensationalist statements about refs (which is a refreshing change from all the rubbish we had to deal with under submissive Iker and shit-stirring Jose). Defence is at its highest organisation when he's playing, and at its highest intensity when Pepe is his sidekick. Why is Varane a liability so often? Because Ramos isn't always there to hold his hand, nor should he be, which is still fine for a 23yr old CB waaaaay before he hits his prime.
This lineup without Ramos is near disastrous and that undefeated streak has been preserved for so long, because he's been a caesar on a mission to save his country. It's amazing how we've reached a point where nobody can pretty much say anything constructive about him being shit or whatever else you may want to moan about, because he's reached a pinnacle of heroism and keeps scoring just to stay there, to frustrate and amaze everybody involved in the title run. He just does it, because he can at this point. Notice how "luck" went out of question once Madrid lost a few games and he still keeps saving them. Funny nah?
And it's glorious. Nothing short of a club legend at this point.
As for "elite"... This "elite" status on this forum has for years belonged to no-good individual scrubs like Thiago Silva who couldn't lead a blind grandpa across the street, while the value of collective defensive units was ignored. Would Ramos get into the best defensive side in years Atletico? You bet. Would he knock Azpilicueta out of the Chelsea lineup? Mate... So yeah, screw the labelling of individual players. It's lame and boring. Recognise the value they'd bring elsewhere. That's what'll tell you who's good or no-good.