SK Awards: La Liga - 5 Best Centre-Backs of the Season

The 88th La Liga Santander has officially ended with Barcelona exterting their domestic dominance yet again with their seventh La Liga title in 10 years.

The Catalonian side was yet again a class above the rest as they easily won the domestic league with 3 games to spare, ending the season with 87 points from their 38 matches. This league title takes them to 26 La Liga title, 7 behind record holders Real Madrid.

#5 Jose Gimenez - Atletico Madrid

The man who is most likely to fill the void left by Diego Godin.

The man who will most likely be shouldered with the burden of filling the void left by Inter Milan-bound Atletico Madrid legend, Diego Godin. Jose Gimenez who incidentally plays along with Godin for Uruguay will have his hands full with many of his teammates moving out of Atletico this season.

The 24-year old defender missed a lot of matches due to injury this season but was exceptionally good in all the matches he played. The central defender was restricted to 21 appearances (19 starts) in the league after suffering numerous injuries.

Jose Gimenez averaged 1.2 tackles, 2.1 interceptions, 6 clearances and 0.6 blocks per match. The 24-year old has helped his side keep 14 clean sheets while conceding just 12 goals.

#4 Mario Hermoso - Espanyol

He has been a rock at the heart of Espanyol defence.

Espanyol is back in Europe after more than a decade playing in the league and domestic cups. The Catalonian side though could not have achieved this feat without their 23-year old central defender. The former Real Madrid man has been a rock at the heart of the Espanyol defense this season.

The Spanish international has averaged 1.2 tackles, 1.2 interceptions, 0.8 blocks and 5.2 clearances per match while also helping the Catalonian side keep 9 clean sheets. The 23-year old has made 32 appearances (31 starts) in the league this season and has 3 vital goals to his name.

#3 Gerard Pique - Barcelona

One of the World's best.

Gerard Pique was once again the best defender in the Blaugrana side despite the arrival of many a new face. The 32-year-old, after a poor start to the season. came back to form during the second half of the season as Barcelona won their 26th La Liga title.

The former Manchester United man averaged 1.2 tackles, 1 interception, 0.8 blocks and 5.1 clearances per match. The 32-year old was ever present in the heart of Barcelona defense as he made 35 appearances for the Blaugrana.

#2 Djene Dakonam - Getafe

The best central defender outside the Top 3 of Spanish football at the moment.

Togo international Djene Dakonam is arguably the best central defender outside the big three in Spanish football at the moment. The 27-year old has been one of their star performers as Getafe finished 5th in the league table, 2 points behind Valencia and Champions League football.

Djene Dakonam was an ever-present figure in the heart of Getafe defense making 34 appearances in the league. The Togo international averaged 1.6 tackles, 2.2 interceptions, 0.3 blocks and 4.4 clearances per match. The 27-year old helped Getafe to keep 11 clean sheets in this season.

#1 Diego Godin - Atletico Madrid

Diego Godin will be joining Inter Milan next season.

The colossal Uruguayan has finally started showing signs of slowing down. Age has finally started catching to the 33-year old Inter Milan-bound central defender. Diego Godin though was yet again instrumental in helping the Los Colchoneros keep the meanest defense in the league.

The Uruguayan international has averaged 1.7 tackles, 1.5 interceptions, 0.3 blocks and 4.5 clearances per match. The 33-year old also has 3 goals and an assist to his name in 30 appearances (28 starts) in the La Liga Santander this season. Diego Godin has helped Atletico keep 16 clean sheets while leaking just 19 goals.

Diego Godin will be leaving La Liga after 12 seasons in Spain with Villarreal and Atletico Madrid.