Why Manchester United must pay £18m for Diego Godin this summer

There have been reports suggesting that Manchester United are after Atletico Madrid centre-back Diego Godin. Jose Mourinho needs a quality centre-back to strengthen his squad for the upcoming season and Godin seems like a perfect fit.

The 32-year-old is believed to be available for just £18m and his current contract with Atletico will expire next summer. The Uruguayan is a colossal player blessed with the required tools to become a difference-maker for Manchester United.

Let’s analyze the player and conclude as to why Mourinho must go all out for him if made available by Atletico Madrid.

Player Analysis – Diego Godin

Godin is a natural leader at the back who can command his defensive line without fuss. He is physically well-built and rugged to shrug off centre-forwards with ease. His physical strength allows him to be a genuine threat from set-pieces, and that is quality Mourinho could utilize at Old Trafford.

The 32-year-old doesn’t shy away from tackles, winning an average of 1.1 per game. He also possesses a fantastic ability to read games and intercept through balls. In addition, he won 55% of his aerial duels which depicts his ability to win high balls and regain possession for the team.

His best attribute has to be his ability to play games at a stretch and exhibit tremendous fitness. In fact, he has just missed a total of 8 games due to injuries throughout his 7 years at Atletico. For this reason, he could be a rock-solid presence for Mourinho at United.

United’s current centre-back options struggle with injuries on a daily basis. The likes of Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof are yet to settle in whereas Chris Smalling, Marcus Rojo and Phil Jones are on the fringes. Hence, the Portuguese gaffer is in dire need of a leader like Godin at the heart of the defence.

Read More: Why Man United must beat Arsenal to the signing of this 25-year-old Portuguese ace

Verdict

At 32, Godin may not have an abundance of golden years but he is the right choice for United on a short-term basis. He is a colossus at the back who often brings in reliability and calmness, making him ideal for Old Trafford.

The Uruguayan will also bring in a wealth of experience, having played in the Champions League, Europa League and World Cup games.

Stats Courtesy – Squawka