Nicolás Otamendi #19

Profile

Otamendi may have grown to become one of the heroes of the national team but it has taken him time to reach that status, having been part of a generation that endured regular disappointment, alongside players such as Sergio Agüero, Javier Mascherano and even Lionel Messi, before the great redemption of 2022. After playing in the 2010 World Cup under Diego Maradona he was peripheral for several years, and was not picked in 2014, but this will be his fourth global tournament. A strong player with a huge personality, nicknamed El General because of his leadership (and his saluting goal celebration) he is captain and leader at Benfica. He is very good in the air, quick to close down opponents and physically strong. He carefully manages his diet (“I eat chicken, rice and salad practically every day, and only allow myself a little treat after matches”) and never stops training, even during his holidays. His tattoos are legendary. He got his first first at the age of 14 and they include Walter White, the protagonist of Breaking Bad, and Messi holding the World Cup trophy.

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