Diego Godin

Diego Godin
Image from: freelargeimages.com

Diego Roberto Godin Leal





Current Club: Atletico Madrid.

Previous Clubs: Villareal, Nacional, CA Ferro.

Loan Clubs: N/A.





International: Uruguay 122 caps 8 goals.

Trophies Won: La Liga 2013/14. Spanish Cup 2012/13. Spanish Super Cup 2014/15. Europa League 2011/12, 2017/18. UEFA Supercup 2010/11, 2012/13, 2018/19. Copa America 2010/11.





Godin is probably the best centre-back in the world right now and has been for a few years now. He is not the best player on the ball, though it is far from a weakness in his game, but his defending is so much better than anyone else currently playing it more than makes up for it. His other main weakness is a lack of pace, which can be a problem sometimes and does lead to him picking up the odd cynical booking to break up an attack.



His key asset is his positional sense, he is very rarely caught in the wrong place, it is very rare he will allow himself to get dragged out into the full-back areas, where his lack of pace can be exposed, or too far upfield where a ball can be played in behind him. Godin will sit in place, ensuring his defensive backline also keeps in place, controlling the line, guiding his centreback partner.



That is his other main skill, the two together setting him apart from the rest, his ability to guide a centreback partner and defensive line. He constantly talks, pulls them into position with instructions, makes sure no one is caught badly unawares or out of position.



Godin is strong, good in the air and a great tackler, but it is his ability to read the game, get himself and his line in position to use his strength, aerial ability and tackling skill that makes him such an outstanding player. You can see it in the way the Atletico defence is excellent, no matter who plays alongside him. He carries his centre back partner to a degree and guides them through each game.



At 32, he is now in the veteran stage of his career, but the quality of his defending is improving, he just needs someone alongside him with legs to ensure he does not need to play too deep. That is the key to his longevity, having someone to do the running for him and allow him to save his legs and prolong his career deep into his later 30s.



Requested by - RazorSharp