The Balance Between Attack and Defence was Created by José Santamaría at Real Madrid

One of the best central defenders was José Santamaría at Real Madrid. His incredible qualities were revolutionary in his position.

Great success came for José María at Real Madrid after he left Nacional to join the Spanish giant at the age of 28. Having played in the World Cup in 1954 for Uruguay, and in 1962 for Spain makes him one of the few players in football history who have achieved to represent two countries in two World Cup.

• Many trophies with Real Madrid
• Represented Spain and Uruguay
• Role model for all defensive players

Upon retiring from Real Madrid at 37 after 337 official games at the Royal Club, he became manager of Spain’s U19 and Olympic teams. Later on, he was team coach at RCD Espanyol and he was the man who led Spain in the World Cup in 1982. However, the unsuccessful performances resulted in his retirement.

Great successes came for José Santamaría at Real Madrid

Even though the fact that there were no online sportsbooks in Spain at that time, Real Madrid was favourites against all teams back then. The Uruguayan has arrived in Spain in 1957, and he retired from there in 1966. Throughout his time he won all the most important trophies. His side managed to win the Copa del Generalísimo, the Copa del Rey at that time, and the Intercontinental Cup title only once. However he also claimed 5 La Liga titles in addition to 4 of the predecessor of the Champions League, European Champion Clubs’ Cup.

He was believed to be one of the main reasons for the Blancos being able to conquer the world of football in the 1950s and 1960s. He created the balance on the field as the team was full of top-class attacking players like Puskás, Di Stéfano and Rial, but they needed a strong central defender like José Santamaría at Real Madrid.

Santamaría is one of the most important defenders in the history of Real Madrid

The former Uruguayan international has become a symbol of the Royal Club, and not by accident! He managed to claim the most important trophies with the Whites during his 11 seasons. His mental toughness and perfect defensive skills have made him one of the best central defenders in the history of football. With his height of 180 cms (5’11”) he towered over most of his peers. His career is demonstration of how he spent his entire life serving the game.

He built up a future for the sport in which not only attacking players, but defenders became crucial points as well. José Santamaría at Real Madrid was a revolutionary player and he is still regarded as one of the best examples when it comes to teaching football for future generations. His mental power, strength and stamina made him one of the best central defenders of all times.

José Santamaría’s influence at Real Madrid is still visible

The former Uruguayan and Spanish international has retired from football long ago, however his influence is still visible at Los Blancos. Real Madrid are a dominant team in the world once again. The odds for the victory of the Royal Club are 6.00 (5/1) at BetVictor Sportsbook, with which they are the number 3 favourites for the trophy.

They are also among the top favourites for claiming the Liga BBVA title with betting odds of 2.25 (5/4). One of the main reasons behind Real Madrid’s success is that they can rely on top quality defenders such as team captain Sergio Ramos. online sportsbooks in Spain report that Ramos might be able to lead the Royal Club to Champions League glory again this year.

The “Wall” believes that mental toughness in football is crucial

Expectations before the 1982 World Cup were too high to succeed

The legendary defender has said that he became a successful football player, because he had always believed in himself and his abilities. He believes that mental toughness is one of the most important factors when you want to be part of a winner side. He always thought about winning and that is how he managed to create teams of different ages that have been successful.

His mentality turned him into a successful football player, manager and later on a great role model for future generations. Players like Sergio Ramos have learnt a lot from a strong central defender like José Santamaría was. Ramos’ mental strength is one of his most important strong points and his role models were earlier football players of the Galacticos. He was capable of scoring a crucial goal in the Champions League final in 2014, when internet betting sites believed the team had already lost.