The elegance of defending, at Natalia Colin’s feet | OneFootball

Breaking paradigms will always make you stand out, even more so in a position as visible as defense. While the stereotype of a traditional center back includes traits like strength and toughness, there are profiles that rely on good technique, game reading, and subtlety.

Having a player with those characteristics is an invaluable plus for any team, something Chivas Femenil can proudly claim in Natalia Colin. Although the red-and-white defender has only just begun her first matches with Guadalajara, that time on the field has been enough for her to establish herself as a starter in the most recent Apertura 2026 matches.

After winning the gold medal with Mexico at the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo, Natalia wore the Rebaño shirt for the first time against Puebla, without needing a lengthy adjustment period. Since that midday match in Angelópolis, she has played 8 games in which she has shown her individual quality, vision, and understanding with the rest of Guadalajara’s back line.

Whether in a back four or a back three, Colin brought with her a privileged and much-needed talent for building out from the back, especially on the right side of the defense, not only to cut off the opponent’s attacking sequences but also to actively take part in building the play. In fact, she can already boast an assist in this tournament, on a play where she won the ball back and then set up Alicia Cervantes.

As if that were not enough, her reading of the game allows her to anticipate defensively without the need for theatrics or exaggerated gestures. Mark, recover, and pass is the mantra by which she plays.

Heading into a match where Chivas Femenil will need to be especially careful at the back, Natalia Colin’s role will be key for Guadalajara to earn 3 more points against FC Juárez, so she will be one to watch this Sunday at Estadio AKRON.

Natalia Colin’s numbers in AP26

- 8 matches played- 6 starts- 593 minutes played- 1 assist- 38 defensive contributions- 23 clearances- 184 accurate passes- 344 touches

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.