#5: Diego Godin
Over the last few years, Diego Simeone has applauded for his excellent management at Atletico Madrid. Diego Godin has been a vital addition to his title-winning team amidst giants Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Like Robert Pires, Valverde worked with the talented defender in his one-year stint at Villarreal. Since joining Atletico Madrid in 2010, the Uruguayan defender has been a part of the unlucky Atletico side that lost the Champions League two times to cross-town rivals Real Madrid in 2014 and 2016. He also scored the only goal for Atletico in the Champions League final against Real Madrid.
Nonetheless, Godin has always been lauded for his rock-solid performances in Atletico's defence. Albeit for a short span of time, Valverde must have been proud to manage a player like Diego Godin in his managerial career.