5 of the best defenders to have played for Juventus or Atletico Madrid

Juventus and Atletico Madrid are two of the toughest teams in the top-5 European leagues, to score against, thanks to their well-drilled defensive machinery complementing a potent attack.

They may not be the two most attractive teams to watch, but more often than not they get the job done by churning out results with their defensive discipline and resilience.

Against the backdrop of their similar defensive philosophy, it was a refreshing surprise that the Matchday 1 clash between the duo at the Wanda Metropolitano ended in a high scoring draw. That was an aberration in the pair's Champions League rivalry, as it marked the first time in five games that the away side scored and almost returned with a win (Juventus led by two goals before Atletico fought back to force a share of the spoils).

On the cusp of Italian champions Juventus welcoming Atletico to the Juventus Stadium on matchday 5 of the UEFA Champions League, let us have a look at the 5 best defenders to have worn the jersey of either club:

#5 Miranda (Atletico Madrid)

João Miranda de Souza Filho became a defender by accident. The shy six-year-old boy from the Brazilian countryside of Paranavaí decided to become a defender to follow in the footsteps of his 12-year-old brother Vicente, who died in a workside accident.

Beset by the loss of his father when he was 19, Miranda left Brazilian shores for Ligue 1 side Sochaux before returning to his country of birth. There he played for Sau Paulo for five years before joining Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2011.

After scoring a superb goal in the 2012-13 Copa Del Rey final against Real Madrid, which ended Atletico's 14-game run without a win against their trans-city rivals, Miranda was at the peak of his powers the following season. His formidable defensive partnership with club legend Diego Godin led Atletico to a league title and the Champions League final (lost to Real Madrid).

The Brazilian is known for his strong passing ability, and is a threat from set-pieces. With 178 appearances in all competitions, Miranda is Atletico's sixth most prolific goal-scoring defender.

Also check out:La Liga La liga table 2019-20 Champions League table

#4 Diego Godin (Atletico Madrid)

With 378 appearances and 27 goals, Diego Godin holds the records for both appearances and goals by an Atletico defender.

Since moving to the red-and-black half of Madrid from Villarreal in the summer of 2010, the Uruguayan centre-half became the embodiment of Atletico's gritty resolve and steely determination. His able leadership under the astute tutelage of Diego Simeone helped turn the club into one of the finest defensive units in European club football.

A classical centre-back in an evolving era of possession-based football, Godin's dependability at the heart of the Atletico defence and strength in the air foiled many an opposition attack. The Rojiblancos' defensive solidity laid the platform for success at the other end of the pitch.

Godin was an integral part of the Atletico side which reached two Champions League finals (2014 and 2016), won the league (2013-14), Copa del Rey (2010-11) and two Europa League titles (2011-12 and 2017-18) during the Uruguayan's 10-year stay at the club. It was apt that it was Godin's headed equaliser at the Camp Nou on the last day of the 2013-14 season which sealed Atletico's first league title in 18 years.

#3 Andrea Barzagli (Juventus)

Considered one of the best defenders of his generation, Andrea Barzagli formed one-third of the BBC (Barzagli-Bonucci-Chiellini) defensive trifecta for both Juventus and Italy. He joined Juventus in the summer of 2011, from Bundesliga side Wolfsburg.

As is the requirement for a good modern-day centre-back, Barzagli's passing ability, keen positional sense, tackling ability, aerial prowess and composure in one-on-one situations are integral elements of his playing style. Barzagli's versatility also allows him to be deployed as a right-back.

It is interesting to note that one of the world's best defenders started his professional career for Serie B side Prostoise as a midfielder before being moved to defence, where he played for the rest of his career. Barzagli won the Serie A title in each of the eight seasons with Juventus before calling time on his career at the end of the 2018-19 season.

#2 Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus)

The second part of Juventus and Italy's BBC defensive trifecta, Leonardo Bonucci also started out as midfielder before moving to defence. Bonucci joined Juventus from Bari in the summer of 2010.

Usually deployed at the heart of a three- or four-man defence, Bonucci is equally at ease in a wider defensive position. The Italian is renowned for his wide range of passing, strong tackling skills, keen positioning sense, aerial prowess and ability from set-pieces.

With 377 appearances in all competitions for the Bianconeri, Bonucci has scored 25 goals during his nine-season stay at Juventus. He has remained a dependable bedrock of the Juventus defence for a very long time.

#1 Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus)

Giorgio Chiellini formed the third part of Juventus and Italy's defensive BBC trifecta. Initially starting out as a left-back, Chiellini transitioned to playing at the heart of a three- or four-man defence.

A Juventus player since the summer of 2005, Chiellini has witnessed both the highs of eight successive Scudettos (2012-2019) and the lows of the infamous Calciopoli scandal which saw Juventus stripped of a Serie A title and relegated to Serie B for a season.

Much like Barzagli and Bonucci, Chiellini possesses a keen positional sense, hard tackling skills and a penchant to score from set-pieces due to his aerial prowess. Chiellini's ball-winning skills have laid the platform for many a Juventus win, being instrumental in the team winning eight consecutive Serie A titles.

Chiellini is the epitome of sustained excellence and longevity, and his reassuring presence in the centre of defence has allowed the Bianconeri to eke out many an 'ugly' win by seeing out slender one-goal leads. The 35-year-old's tenacious best was on full display at the Wembley last season as he rolled back the years to stop a Harry Kane header going over the line, helping Juventus to hold on to a hard-fought 2-1 win.

With 507 appearances in all competitions for Juventus, Chiellini is the Bianconeri's most capped defender after the legendary Gaetano Scirea.

Edited by Musab Abid