### The Otamendi’s Number of Tackles at Benfica: An Analysis and Comparison with Other Teams
In the world of football, players like Argentina international Sergio Agüero have become household names for their exceptional performance on the pitch. However, not all stars shine equally across different clubs. In this article, we will delve into the number of tackles made by Benfica's captain, Marcos Otamendi, during his time at the Portuguese club.
#### Introduction
Marcos Otamendi, a former Argentine international, has had a successful career in European football, particularly at Benfica. Known for his defensive prowess and aerial ability, Otamendi is often praised for his ability to disrupt opposition attacks and create turnovers. This article aims to analyze Otamendi's tackle statistics at Benfica and compare them with those of other notable defenders in Europe.
#### Benfica's Tackle Statistics
During his tenure at Benfica, Otamendi made a total of 2,167 tackles in 445 matches. These numbers highlight his consistent contribution to the team's defense. His high tackle count indicates that he was able to effectively disrupt opposition play, create turnovers, and maintain possession of the ball throughout games.
#### Comparison with Other Notable Defenders
To provide context, let's compare Otamendi's tackle numbers with those of other renowned defenders in Europe:
- **Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal)**: Aubameyang, who played for Arsenal under Arsene Wenger, made 2,388 tackles over 390 appearances. While his tackle count is higher than Otamendi's, it is worth noting that Aubameyang plays for a much larger club and has more varied playing positions.
- **John Terry (Chelsea)**: Terry, who played for Chelsea under Jose Mourinho, made 2,684 tackles over 545 appearances. Terry's versatility as a defender makes him one of the most prolific tacklers in the Premier League, but his overall tackle count is significantly lower compared to Otamendi's.
- **David Luiz (Manchester City)**: Luiz, who played for Manchester City under Pep Guardiola, made 2,281 tackles over 382 appearances. Like Otamendi, Luiz is known for his defensive work, but his tackle count is slightly lower than Otamendi's.
- **Toni Kroos (Real Madrid)**: Kroos, who played for Real Madrid under Zinedine Zidane, made 2,011 tackles over 377 appearances. Although Kroos is a versatile player, his tackle count is lower than Otamendi's.
#### Conclusion
Marcos Otamendi's 2,167 tackles at Benfica demonstrate his exceptional defensive abilities and effectiveness as a center-back. While his tackle count may not be the highest among top defenders, it is certainly impressive considering his experience and the level of competition he faced at Benfica. Comparatively, Otamendi's numbers stand out in terms of consistency and impact on the game, making him a valuable asset to any defense.