With 2020 approaching, Goal picks the best players to have played in the Primera Division over the past 10 years
GK: Nahuel Guzman
Guzman's style has gotten Tigres in trouble at times, but the occasions on which he has bailed out the team far outnumber the mistakes he has made when wandering off his line.
It is no accident the club won four titles with Guzman in goal, with his skill with his feet and shot-stopping ability helping anchor a unit Tigres relied upon. He also caught the eye of the Argentina national team, heading to the 2018 World Cup as the third-choice goalkeeper for the Albiceleste.
Whether arranging his defense or commenting on politics in his native Argentina, "El Paton" never has been afraid to speak his mind, making him a beloved figure for many.
AdvertisementVictor CruzRB: Paul Aguilar
A model of consistency for Club America, Aguilar has held down the right-back spot on one of the strongest teams of the decade since he arrived in 2011. Unafraid to get forward and get in goalscoring positions, Aguilar also gave plenty of defensive heft, whether asked to play as more of a wingback or in a back four.
He earned three league titles and a Copa MX with Las Aguilas, played in the 2010 and 2014 World Cup and even today, at age 33, is still proving his worth to the Mexico City side.
Manuel VelasquezCB: Pablo Aguilar
He won trophies with Club Tijuana, won trophies with Club America and even won trophies at Cruz Azul – Aguilar is an intense defender who also can be dangerous when getting forward.
At the back, he often shut down even the best attackers in the league and helped his teams keep tight behind them
If Aguilar helps bring a league title to Cruz Azul, he really will have achieved a miracle. Liga MX crowns with Xolos and America, plus a pair of CCL titles with Las Aguilas, a Copa MX win with La Maquina and various individual honors, however, means he has already done more than enough to be mentioned among the elite defenders of the era.
Oscar WongCB: Nestor Araujo
Now playing in La Liga with Celta Vigo, Araujo was one of Santos Laguna's most important players from 2013-2018. Despite being a right-footed player, Araujo generally lined up on the left side of defense and still was able to stymie attackers.
While he was injured for much of the campaign leading up to Los Guerreros' second title of the decade, he regularly turned in top-tier performances. Santos did not win the title in the 2017 Clausura when he was named the league's best defender, but the season was a big step for Araujo and the club.
He likely could have gone to Europe even sooner had he so desired. Instead, Araujo left having twice won the league and cup on two occasions each.