Getafe CF Defenders 2024/25

As we move into the 2024/25 season of La Liga, Getafe CF defenders lineup continues to evolve with a focus on solidifying their defense. Known for their gritty and disciplined style of play, Getafe’s defensive unit has been integral to their success in the Spanish top flight. Here’s a comprehensive look at the club’s current defenders, highlighting their backgrounds, playing styles, and contributions to the team.

1. Djene Dakonam

Nationality: Togo
Position: Center-back
Transfer Fee: €10 million (from Standard Liège, 2017)
Former Clubs: Standard Liège, Tokoin, and Coton Sport
Appearances (2024/25): 22

Djene Dakonam, often simply known as Djene, is one of the standout figures in Getafe’s defense. A powerful and intelligent central defender, Djene has been a staple in Getafe’s starting lineup since his arrival in 2017. Born in Togo, he brings a physical presence to the backline while also demonstrating a level of composure and maturity that belies his sometimes aggressive playing style. Over the years, Djene has built a reputation as a no-nonsense defender, with a knack for winning aerial duels and making crucial interceptions.

Before joining Getafe CF defenders, Djene honed his skills in his home country and made his mark in Europe with Standard Liège in Belgium. His performances at the Belgian club earned him a transfer to Spain, where he quickly adapted to La Liga’s physical demands. Djene’s leadership and determination have made him a key player for the club, regularly captaining the side when required. His ability to read the game and communicate effectively with his defensive partners is invaluable, especially in high-pressure situations. His transfer to Getafe for €10 million was a testament to his growing reputation in European football.

2. Leandro Cabrera

Nationality: Uruguay
Position: Center-back
Transfer Fee: €2.5 million (from Espanyol, 2020)
Former Clubs: Espanyol, Real Madrid B, Málaga, and Atlético Madrid B
Appearances (2024/25): 19

Leandro Cabrera is a seasoned Uruguayan center-back who provides Getafe CF defenders squad with both stability and depth at the heart of their defense. Having previously played for Espanyol, Cabrera’s experience in La Liga has been crucial in bolstering the club’s backline since his arrival in 2020. Known for his tough, no-frills defending and his ability to read the game, Cabrera has become a fan favorite at Getafe for his relentless work ethic and strong leadership skills.

Cabrera’s career began in his native Uruguay before making the move to Spain to join Atlético Madrid’s B team. He eventually made his way up to La Liga with Real Madrid B and Málaga, where he continued to hone his craft. His journey culminated in a key role at Espanyol, where he earned a reputation for his solid defensive displays. Getafe signed him in 2020, and he has since become an indispensable part of their squad. Cabrera’s ability to track opposition strikers, clear the ball under pressure, and contribute in set-piece situations makes him a well-rounded central defender.

3. David Timor

Nationality: Spain
Position: Defensive Midfielder / Center-back
Transfer Fee: €1.8 million (from Girona, 2020)
Former Clubs: Girona, Real Zaragoza, and Lleida Esportiu
Appearances (2024/25): 20

While David Timor is primarily a defensive midfielder, his versatility has seen him operate as a central defender on occasion, particularly when Getafe CF defenders lineup has required added protection in the heart of their defense. Timor’s career has been defined by his tactical intelligence and exceptional ability to break up opposition attacks. A product of the youth system at Real Zaragoza, he has always possessed a strong sense of positioning and an innate understanding of how to control games from a defensive standpoint.

Timor’s time at Girona and his later move to Getafe have seen him play a significant role in ensuring the team remains compact and well-organized, whether in a deeper midfield position or in a makeshift central defensive role. His passing ability is often understated, but he can distribute the ball efficiently, which allows Getafe to maintain possession even in difficult moments. Despite not being a traditional center-back, Timor’s adaptability to this position has earned him the trust of manager José Bordalás, especially in tactical situations that require defensive solidity.

4. Juan Iglesias

Nationality: Spain
Position: Left-back
Transfer Fee: €1 million (from Mallorca, 2023)
Former Clubs: Mallorca and RCD Espanyol B
Appearances (2024/25): 17

Juan Iglesias is an up-and-coming Spanish left-back who joined Getafe CF defenders in 2023 from Mallorca. Iglesias represents a youthful, attacking-minded option for Getafe, as he provides significant width on the left side of defense. As a product of RCD Espanyol’s youth academy, Iglesias’s defensive abilities are coupled with an understanding of how to contribute in the attacking third. His runs down the flank and his ability to link up with the midfield provide the club with an added dimension in attack.

His move to Mallorca marked a significant milestone in his career, where he earned a starting spot and showcased his potential in La Liga. Getafe recognized his talent and secured his services for a reasonable fee of €1 million, making him a solid investment for the future. Iglesias’s pace and work ethic are key to his game, often overlapping with wingers or cutting inside when required. Though still developing, his presence on the left side has provided Getafe with greater balance, particularly in games where they look to exploit space on the counter-attack.

5. Portu

Nationality: Spain
Position: Right-back
Transfer Fee: €4 million (from Real Sociedad, 2023)
Former Clubs: Real Sociedad, Girona, and Real Madrid B
Appearances (2024/25): 21

Portu, also known as Cristian Portugués Manzanera, is another versatile Spanish player who joined Getafe in 2023, adding depth to their right-back position. Portu’s background includes time spent at Real Sociedad and Girona, where he was known for his attacking intent and high work rate on the right flank. His energetic displays made him a key figure for both clubs, and his ability to push forward in wide areas while also contributing defensively has been a major asset for Getafe.

At Getafe CF defenders roster, Portu has quickly adapted to the demands of La Liga once again, and his tactical discipline, combined with his tireless running, makes him a player who can influence both ends of the pitch. Portu’s excellent crossing ability and flair in the final third offer Getafe additional creativity from the full-back position, while his defensive acumen ensures that he is equally effective when tracking opposition wingers. His move to Getafe for €4 million demonstrates the club’s commitment to adding quality to their squad, and Portu has certainly proven his worth since arriving.

6. Vitorino Antunes

Nationality: Portugal
Position: Left-back
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (from AEK Athens, 2023)
Former Clubs: AEK Athens, Málaga, and FC Porto
Appearances (2024/25): 14

Vitorino Antunes is a seasoned Portuguese left-back who joined Getafe CF players lineup in 2023 on a free transfer from AEK Athens. Known for his calm demeanor and technical skills, Antunes has spent the majority of his career in Spain, where he has built a reputation as a reliable full-back who can deliver quality crosses into the box. His time at Málaga, before his move to AEK Athens, established him as a solid defender in La Liga, capable of contributing both defensively and offensively.

Antunes’s experience in top European leagues, including the Portuguese Primeira Liga with FC Porto, has been invaluable for Getafe, especially in high-stakes encounters. His positioning and ability to read the game are exceptional, and his experience allows him to manage the defensive line with intelligence. Though not the quickest in terms of raw pace, Antunes compensates with his tactical awareness and delivery on set-pieces. His move to Getafe provides additional competition at left-back, where he offers both defensive stability and offensive potential.

Getafe CF’s defensive unit for the 2024/25 season is a blend of seasoned professionals and youthful talent, each player bringing their own unique attributes to the team. From Djene Dakonam’s commanding presence to Portu’s attacking drives down the right, the team’s defensive capabilities have a mix of physicality, technical skill, and tactical discipline. As Getafe continues to challenge for survival and potential upper-half finishes in La Liga, the importance of a solid defensive backbone cannot be overstated. The defenders described above form the bedrock of the club’s ambitions, and as the season progresses, they will be called upon to show their resilience in a league that demands the best. With such a well-rounded squad of defenders, Getafe CF looks to maintain its competitive edge while aiming for greater consistency in the coming seasons.