#16 Diego Godin
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In an era where football clubs are looking for more and more from their defenders, Diego Godin has sought success through doing the basics right. He may not be the most complete player in the game but he’s untouchable from a defensive perspective. A born leader, Godin was at the heart of La Liga’s best defence in the 2015/16 campaign, with Atletico conceding just 18 goals. This fine form transpired into this season so far, in which he has maintained an average success rate of 60% of duels won, as well as having made an average of 7 defensive actions per game.
The 30-year-old Uruguayan is in the middle of his pomp, top of the new year shopping list for a host of clubs, not least Manchester United. Godin would add brawn and resolve to the best defence. Measuring just over six foot and with an excellent spring in his step too. Diego’s no-nonsense defensive approach at Atletico has not only seen his value soar as a loyal and dependable individual, but it’s his ability to put his body on the line at any given moment which gives Atletico the attacking freedom they have.
Diego Godin has won La Liga, the Copa del Rey, the UEFA Europa League and finished with a runner-up medal in the Champions League on two separate occasions with Atletico. To add to all this, he has also lifted the Copa America with his home nation. By no means the most glittering list of accolades, Godin could have easily switched all of this for a shot at relentless glory with Barca or Real but opted to stick with the Red-and-Whites, with whom he’s now played over 200 games, and that demands respect in itself.
