Next Wave: The Rock

Alvaro Dominguez takes charge.

The influencer at the heart of the Atletico Madrid defence, he leads by example, stamping his authority on every match he plays.

A commanding central defender that developed through Atletico’s youth ranks, when injuries hit the first team squad, Alvaro was ready to seize his opportunity.

His calmness and determination helped the club reach two cup finals in his first full season and his impressive leadership skills earned him status as one of the club captains at 22.

Intelligent in his positioning and dominant in the air, Alvaro’s iron will makes him the powerful barrier a striker dreads facing. He’s a force to be reckoned with.

Meet Your Match: Dominguez and the Tiempo