Should Man United Go Back In For Diego Godin?
It was widely reported that Manchester United wanted Uruguayan defender Diego Godin during the last few days of the summer transfer window, The Guardian even suggested a €25m bid was lodged by the Premier League giants.
As soon as United’s interest was declared Atletico Madrid stepped up their efforts to tie veteran Godin to a longer term deal. That kept him there for the start of this campaign.
Yet as we enter 2019, Atletico still haven’t agreed that new contract with their stalwart centre back. That means Diego is now entering the last six months of his current deal.
With that in mind should Man United renew their interest in the old school defender?
The player still has that €25m release clause, which in today’s market isn’t actually that high a price. Now some might say that The Red Devils could wait and pick the player up in the summer and tie him down to a pre-contract but I’d argue that United’s need is immediate not in six months.
In an ideal world, for me, if I were head of Man Utd’s recruitment programme I would try and bring in Godin now along with a younger defender like Nikola Milenkovic. According to The Manchester Evening News, United are still very interested in the Fiorentina defender. The good thing about Milenkovic is that he’s versatile enough to play as a centre-half or as a right back. He’d also learn so much from Diego Godin.
The player is now thirty-two years of age, which isn’t the ideal age for a new signing but his experience is actually a huge plus as he uses it so well. United have conceded a great deal already this term and need a combative centre back to come in and shore things up.
Atleti have only conceded twelves times in seventeen La Liga games so far this term, and that’s the best defensive record in Spain’s top flight. Diego has played in thirteen of those fixtures.
When browsing through Whoscored you’ll notice that Godin on average makes around 1.7 tackles per games, wins 2.5 aerial duels per encounter, makes 1.2 interceptions and an impressive 3.1 clearances.
Godin is the heartbeat that gives Atletico Madrid and Uruguay’s backline strength, determination and consistency.
The wily defender isn’t scared to show off his dirty side but that dark side usually gives his team a winning edge.
Godin isn’t getting any younger but it’s his passion, brains and his attitude that has seen him have a great defensive career.
United have too many cagey central defenders that don’t give their all for the cause. In Diego Godin (if they were to sign him), they’d get a centre-back that would give his absolute all for The Red Devils!
He might not be seen as a longterm project but having Godin in for, say, two and a half years could really help lay strong defensive foundations as younger defenders would learn valuable lessons from thirty-two year old.
Posted on January 2nd, 2019 by scott
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