Why Diego Godin would be a brilliant signing for Manchester United
According to a report from the Sun, Manchester United are interested in a January swoop for Atletico Madrid’s defensive stalwart, Diego Godin.
Manchester United tried to sign the Uruguay international in the summer with Jose Mourinho keen on a new centre-back. But Mourinho was left disappointed after a deal for Diego Godin failed to materialise.
The 32-year-old is out of contract at Atletico Madrid at the end of the season and is eligible to sign a pre-contract agreement with an overseas club in January. With the Uruguayan yet to agree on a new contract at the Spanish club, should the Red Devils pounce on him in January?
Diego Godin has been one of European football’s best defenders in recent seasons, playing a key role in Atletico Madrid’s rise in Spain.
The 32-year-old has won a lot of honours during his career, which includes winning the La Liga once and the UEFA Europa League twice under Diego Simeone. He also played an integral part for his nation as he led Uruguay to a Copa America triumph back in 2011.
The Uruguayan has been a part of a defence that has leaked just eight goals in the La Liga this season and only conceded 22 times in the Spanish top-flight last season. Now in his ninth season with Atletico Madrid, Godin is considered as one of the best in the business.
A leader at the back, Godin is vastly experienced and exudes a calming influence. He is also comfortable with the ball at his feet and has mastered the art of tackling. The 32-year-old is a dominant force in the air, a fantastic reader of the game and is dangerous from set-pieces.
One might argue that Godin is on the wrong side of 30 and clearly lacks pace and mobility on the field. But the Uruguayan’s leadership skills and winning mentality are unquestionable, making him a brilliant fit for Manchester United at this point.
The Red Devils’ reluctance to sign a central defender in the summer has proven very costly, as Mourinho’s side are eighth after 12 games with a negative goal difference. Manchester United have leaked in 21 goals, the same as Southampton who are at 17th place.
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Hence, signing a centre-back should be Mourinho’s need of the hour if he intends to achieve a top-four spot this season. And Godin’s acquisition in January would undoubtedly bolster United’s defensive options.