La Liga: 2016-17 Team of the Season: Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico dominate
By Roy Emanuel
CB – Diego Godin – Atletico Madrid
No club in La Liga gave up fewer goals than Atletico Madrid, as Los Colchoneros only allowed 27 goals in 38 matches. The back-line was stellar, led by talented centre-back Diego Godin. The Uruguayan international kept the Atletico defence organised and disciplined seemingly each and every week in the Spanish first division.
The 31-year-old scored three goals and added one assist in helping to secure another strong campaign domestically and in the UEFA Champions League.
A hard-working and tough defender, Godin leads by example and expects the most out of his team-mates. Highly respected throughout La Liga, his leadership can often be an intangible that has helped bring so much recent success to the Estadio Vicente Calderon.
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The 2016-17 season was no different, as Godin was tasked with securing the central defence against some of Europe’s best attacking squads. Key victories during the term were made possible by Atletico’s defence and the work of the back-line. Along with goalkeeper Jan Oblak’s efforts, manager Diego Simeone’s side were able to keep most matches in front of them for important results across all competitions.
Even as his pace begins to slow, Godin’s magnificent positioning and vision continues to shine. At the other end, he also presented a great danger to the opposition on free-kicks with strong and accurate headers.
Year after year, it is Diego Godin driving Atletico Madrid to incredible performances.
Honourable mention: Samuel Umtiti – Barcelona