Defenders’ achievements are not lauded as often as they should be.
Not since 2006 has a defender been acknowledged with a Ballon d’Or win but depending on Uruguay’s success at the World Cup, captain Diego Godin could well be in with a chance of bucking the duopoly enjoyed by Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi over the past decade.
Godin has already guided Atletico Madrid to Europa League success this year and if Uruguay continue to impress in Russia then it would be difficult to deny that the centre-half would be in contention for the Ballon d’Or award.
He might not have the skill of a Messi or the goalscoring return of a Ronaldo or the potential of a Neymar but Godin wins games.
He is happy to aimlessly hoof the ball into space or wind down the clock by taking goal kicks. He is a professional who reads the game better than most. Godin would likely get into every team into the world because few have mastered the art of defence like the 32-year-old.
“Godin had always had a very defined personality,” said Uruguay manager Oscar Tabarez. “He shows solidarity and that has made him stand out the group and it has rubbed off on them too.
“He earned the captaincy for his achievements and his commitment and his example, and in a certain way he represents the very best of a nation like Uruguay.”
In the group stages of the World Cup, no player completed more clearances (12), won more tackles (8) or won more aerial duels (8) than Godin and his performances on the global stage will likely inspire plenty of interest from clubs interested in shoring up their defence this summer.
And it turns out that Godin is available at an absolute bargain, with The Spanish Football Podcast confirming reports that the central defender has a release clause of just €20 million (£17.5 million).
Reminder: Diego “best defender in the world” Godin is available for 20 MILLION EUROS this summer
— The Spanish Football Podcast (@tsf_podcast) June 30, 2018
After Liverpool shelled out £75 million for Virgil van Dijk in January and amid reports of Spurs holding out for a fee close to £75 million for Toby Alderweireld, securing Godin on the cheap would make sense for the likes of Manchester United in the Premier League.
Supporters are crying out for an approach to be made as Godin’s several defensive masterclasses at the World Cup prove that he is up there with the world’s greatest centre-halves.
Imagine if we had Godin and Jimenez playing in front of De Gea at United. Would never concede.
— We miss you Fergie (@WM1968) June 30, 2018
Would love it if United got Godin
— wallace williams (@WallyMNP) June 30, 2018
United need a warrior like Godin. Dream defender.
— Sarmad (@beardedfc_) June 30, 2018
If United make one more signing, it better be Godin. £18 million bargain
— Sami (@samihussain_) June 30, 2018
Would love to see Diego Godin in a United shirt next season. Exactly the type of defender the club need. Awareness, positioning and strength just immense
— 🌍🦋 (@MezzalaMindset) June 30, 2018
https://twitter.com/KaiTobun/status/1013144777167122432
https://twitter.com/ShawShot/status/1013139497888944129
Diego Godin is Nemanja Vidic type Defender. Old Skool. Solid and Fearless. World Class too.
— अलख निरंजन (@UnitedNMB) June 30, 2018
