For Atletico Nacional, recent days have been nothing if not intense, both on and off the field. They have featured a lot of training, a lot of games, but above all, a lot of emotions – some of them the most difficult kind. And all for a game they could not even play: the final of the Copa Sudamericana.

Los Verdolagos have had to work exceptionally hard to cope with the physical demands of a frantic match schedule as well as having to deal mentally with the terrible tragedy that befell Chapecoense – the Brazilian team and delegation having been en-route to face Atletico Nacional for the final in Medellin when their plane crashed on the outskirts of the city.

However, now they must try to leave all that anguish behind and focus on preparing for the final challenge of the year: the FIFA Club World Cup 2016. At times like these, the job of the captain becomes even more important – when you need someone to unite the players or to calm and motivate them with an authoritative voice. At times like these, you need someone like Alexis Henriquez Charales.

From an early age, Henriquez has ended up captaining the teams he’s played for. His charisma and personality have made him a natural leader, worthy of the confidence of his team-mates, for whom he remains a shining example.

Dependable and fiercely committed, it came as no surprise to see him handed the captain’s armband at Nacional, who he joined in 2012. “It’s a huge responsibility as it was my team-mates who chose me to be captain. I’m proud that such a significant group of players like we have at Atletico Nacional have made it possible. I just try to do my very best for them and be of service,” the centre-back told FIFA.com.

That humility is from the only player to have won the Copa Libertadores with two different Colombian sides. “I never thought I’d win two Libertadores, even if my dream was to win an international title with Nacional when I came here. That’s what I wanted most,” said the player who also lifted the coveted trophy in 2004 while defending the colours of Once Caldas. Subsequently, the club contested the last edition of the Toyota Intercontinental Cup against Porto in the Japanese city of Yokohama.

We know the responsibility we have to South America, but rest assured we’ll do the utmost to bring home the Club World Cup.

A chance to make amends Fate has now presented Henriquez with the chance to make up for a Japanese disappointment, as the defender missed out on that 2004 showdown with Porto in the Far East. “The coaching staff opted not to include me in the squad so I had to watch the game on TV and support them that way. The team performed excellently, though, getting to a penalty shoot-out and coming so close to winning,” Henriquez said. “Since then, I’ve always dreamt of taking part in the tournament.”

Twelve years on and his chance has now arrived, even if his personal circumstances are markedly different to how they were first time around. “Back then I was just 21 and had played in very few of the games that got us there. Now I’m captain of my team, so they’re very different experiences. I enjoyed both processes, though obviously one more than the other,” he said of the continental triumphs.

Atletico Nacional get their Club World Cup campaign underway on 14 December in Osaka against the winners of Mamelodi Sundowns-Kashima Antlers. “For us it’s a matter of pride and something very significant for our careers," Henriquez said. "We know the responsibility we have to South America, but rest assured we’ll do the utmost to bring home the Club World Cup."

Having never been to Japan, the 33-year-old will be heading there with curiosity and enthusiasm – though fully focused on the task at hand. “It’s going to be a significant occasion for us. We’re intent on having a good tournament, competing fully and with high hopes of making the final. We have the capability and players to win this title, so let’s hope we can do it."

With his impressive list of national and international honours, the lofty defender will be hoping to reach new heights and help El Verde de la Montaña to do what they failed to do in the final of the Intercontinental Cup in 1989 and Once Caldas failed to do in 2004. On the latter occasion, he could only look on anxiously in the early hours on the TV screen; this time around he will be firmly in the thick of it as he seeks to make history.