Who is the best centre-back in La Liga? Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos vs Atletico Madrid's Diego Godin

STATISTICS [2018/19 La Liga]

RAMOS

Minutes – 2026

Tackles – 36

Interceptions – 33

Clearances – 76

Pass success – 92.1%

Aerials won – 52

GODIN

Minutes – 1428

Tackles – 32

Interceptions – 24

Clearances – 66

Pass success – 79.5%

Aerials won – 44

PHYSICAL TRAITS

You wouldn’t peg Godin as someone who pumps iron on a daily basis but he boasts a naturally powerful and formidable frame while his strength is in his sheer commitment to the cause more than anything else.

Ramos on the other hand is a finer athletic specimen, blessed with the pace and agility that Godin lacks and modern day strikers would be proud of. The Spaniard is also a powerful player and while he’s a force in the air courtesy of his supreme leap, Godin is just as challenging owing to his towering physique.

POSITIONING

While he’s not quick across the turf, Godin usually manages to keep up with forwards much faster than him by reading the danger and staying a step ahead. Is positioning in a variety of scenarios is impeccable and that’s also why he’s so good at defending balls into the area. The Uruguayan holds a distinct advantage over Ramos in this regard.

The Madrid skipper is notorious for vacating his post, getting caught out of position and even failing to pick up a forward runner at times. However, his pace and athleticism means he’s usually able to compensate, showing great ability to track back swiftly while his recovering tackles are second to none.

MENTALITY

Both players are respected leaders for their sides. Captains of rival Madrid outfits, they epitomise some of the biggest values associated with their respective clubs. Godin is the old warhorse, the inspirational general leading his troops into battle. He encapsulates the work ethic and total commitment that’s been synonymous with Atletico during Diego Simeone’s reign.

Meanwhile, Ramos – with his flair, natural aggression and confidence – is the kind of player Real identify with. He’s less fundamentals, more flash but ultimately formidable. It also says a lot about Ramos’ character that he was the most popular figure in a dressing room that included Cristiano Ronaldo. Outside of Real, he’s often regarded as public enemy number one, a result of his passion for the team and desire to win sometimes taking an unappealing shape.

VERDICT

Godin has been a great servant to Atletico and Uruguay, leading both sides to unlikely glory. He’s still one of the best defenders in La Liga and has some time at the top level to go. However, you wouldn’t go as far as to say that he’s in his prime. The 32-year-old has seen many challenges in his time and come out fighting, with the battle scars to prove it. At this juncture though, he’s quietly in decline as he remains effective but gradually becomes less imposing.

Funnily enough, Ramos is also 32 and has never looked in better form. He’s become more defensively astute with experience while retaining his incredible physical attributes. His leadership has seen Madrid monopolise the Champions League trophy in recent years and with Ronaldo’s departure last summer, he’s enjoyed stepping into the spotlight, even taking over penalties.

At present, Ramos appears to be in his element while Godin’s powers are slightly on the wane.