There were a few questionable inclusions for the FIFPro Defender of
the Year award this year, but one who certainly deserved his nomination
was Atlético Madrid centre-back Diego Godín. The 28-year-old was one of
the most consistent defenders in Europe last season, helping Los
Rojiblancos to their 10th Liga title and the Champions League final.
He has started this season in similarly impressive fashion, with his WhoScored.com rating (7.32) the fourth best of all Atlético players so far. As a result, he is now a reported target for Manchester United once the transfer window re-opens. The former Premier League champions have been linked with a host of big name centre-backs in recent weeks, with Godín the latest to appear on United’s radar.
United’s recent good run of form has helped them consolidate a top 4 spot, but the opinion of supporters is that the defence still requires strengthening. Marcos Rojo was the only centre-back acquired by the club over the summer, despite Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic’s respective exits. The Red Devils knew the experienced duo were departing for pastures new before the season came to a head, but failed to adequately reinforce the backline and a lack of defensive solidity has shown on numerous occasions this term.
They have the opportunity to right their wrongs next month, however, and the acquisition of Godín would be a real statement of intent by Louis van Gaal’s side. The Uruguayan is currently the sixth highest rated centre-back in La Liga this season and has played a key role in Atlético’s solid start to the campaign. The Madrid outfit and defending champions currently sit just 4 points behind neighbours and league leaders Real Madrid in Spain’s top tier.
Only Barcelona (6) have conceded fewer goals in La Liga this season than Atlético (12) and Godín has played a big part in the impressive defensive showings by Diego Simeone’s side. The 28-year-old has played every minute of Atlético’s league campaign so far and this consistency in the starting XI would appeal to Van Gaal. The Dutchman has endured a nightmare start in Manchester with regards to injuries and has been forced to field no less than 7 players at centre-back in the Premier League already this season.
The Uruguay captain missed just 4 league games last term, 2 of which were through suspension, and the rarity in which he succumbs to injury would benefit this injury-prone United side. His leadership qualities would also provide a solid backbone for Van Gaal’s team. At the back, United have lacked guidance all too often this season and Godín would be a calming influence at the heart of the backline when the going gets tough.
A number of times this campaign, United have required a reassuring presence in defence. They have developed a statistically calculated WhoScored.com weakness of ‘protecting the lead’, though the signing of Godín would significantly improve their chances of holding on to any advantage once they go ahead. Atlético’s 3rd choice captain has gained a WhoScored.com strength of ‘concentration’ and his mental toughness would improve United’s composure in defence.
It’s the mental side of his game that stands him in good stead. Godín may not shy away from the physical aspect of football - he is winning 3.3 aerial duels and averaging 1.4 tackles per league game - but it’s his reading of a situation that has won him countless admirers. Godín is averaging more interceptions per Liga match (2.7) than any other Atlético player this season, while only 3 United players are doing so more.
At the other end of the pitch, the centre-back is a threat to opposition defences. Godín has 2 league goals to his name this term, a figure better than all of United’s current centre-backs combined (1).
Atlético would be reluctant to see Godín leave in January, especially with Miranda currently sidelined. Nevertheless, with United expected to spend to improve next month, their primary target must be a centre-back and Godín would be viewed as an astute acquisition should they prise him away from the Estadio Vicente Calderón.
He has started this season in similarly impressive fashion, with his WhoScored.com rating (7.32) the fourth best of all Atlético players so far. As a result, he is now a reported target for Manchester United once the transfer window re-opens. The former Premier League champions have been linked with a host of big name centre-backs in recent weeks, with Godín the latest to appear on United’s radar.
United’s recent good run of form has helped them consolidate a top 4 spot, but the opinion of supporters is that the defence still requires strengthening. Marcos Rojo was the only centre-back acquired by the club over the summer, despite Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic’s respective exits. The Red Devils knew the experienced duo were departing for pastures new before the season came to a head, but failed to adequately reinforce the backline and a lack of defensive solidity has shown on numerous occasions this term.
They have the opportunity to right their wrongs next month, however, and the acquisition of Godín would be a real statement of intent by Louis van Gaal’s side. The Uruguayan is currently the sixth highest rated centre-back in La Liga this season and has played a key role in Atlético’s solid start to the campaign. The Madrid outfit and defending champions currently sit just 4 points behind neighbours and league leaders Real Madrid in Spain’s top tier.
Only Barcelona (6) have conceded fewer goals in La Liga this season than Atlético (12) and Godín has played a big part in the impressive defensive showings by Diego Simeone’s side. The 28-year-old has played every minute of Atlético’s league campaign so far and this consistency in the starting XI would appeal to Van Gaal. The Dutchman has endured a nightmare start in Manchester with regards to injuries and has been forced to field no less than 7 players at centre-back in the Premier League already this season.
The Uruguay captain missed just 4 league games last term, 2 of which were through suspension, and the rarity in which he succumbs to injury would benefit this injury-prone United side. His leadership qualities would also provide a solid backbone for Van Gaal’s team. At the back, United have lacked guidance all too often this season and Godín would be a calming influence at the heart of the backline when the going gets tough.
A number of times this campaign, United have required a reassuring presence in defence. They have developed a statistically calculated WhoScored.com weakness of ‘protecting the lead’, though the signing of Godín would significantly improve their chances of holding on to any advantage once they go ahead. Atlético’s 3rd choice captain has gained a WhoScored.com strength of ‘concentration’ and his mental toughness would improve United’s composure in defence.
It’s the mental side of his game that stands him in good stead. Godín may not shy away from the physical aspect of football - he is winning 3.3 aerial duels and averaging 1.4 tackles per league game - but it’s his reading of a situation that has won him countless admirers. Godín is averaging more interceptions per Liga match (2.7) than any other Atlético player this season, while only 3 United players are doing so more.
At the other end of the pitch, the centre-back is a threat to opposition defences. Godín has 2 league goals to his name this term, a figure better than all of United’s current centre-backs combined (1).
Atlético would be reluctant to see Godín leave in January, especially with Miranda currently sidelined. Nevertheless, with United expected to spend to improve next month, their primary target must be a centre-back and Godín would be viewed as an astute acquisition should they prise him away from the Estadio Vicente Calderón.
Read more at http://talksport.com/football/man-united-january-signing-he-would-be-astute-acquistion-say-whoscored-141203127445#i3YgvdGIsdCMqfg5.99
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