A defender must run quicker than a striker and anticipate a midfielder. Being a defender is a very difficult job. It takes bravery and fearlessness to confront a hazardous attacker. They should be able to make snap decisions when defending and should be fully focused on the field. Here are the best football defenders in the world.
Best Football Defenders In The World
Best defenders in the world: Virgil Van Dijk
Van Dijk’s ascent has been amazing. Liverpool, via Groningen, Celtic, Southampton, and so forth. At Liverpool, he attained international prominence. When it comes to world-class defenders, Van Dijk is at the top. Due to an injury that prevented him from participating in Euro 2020 and the Netherlands’ inability to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, the Dutchman has yet to leave his mark in an international competition. However, Champions League and Premier League medals have come a long way toward compensating for it. The 6’4″ player boasts all the qualities that a contemporary defender ought to have: strength, speed, adaptability to different positions, leadership qualities, and ball abilities.
Best defenders in the world: Sergio Ramos
Second place goes to Ramos, who is the greatest defender in Real Madrid’s history and a unique player for Spain. Even if his career is at its height, the 34-year-old takes care of himself like a diamond. Ramos began his playing career at Sevilla as a right-back before joining Los Blancos, where he went on to become a legend. The former captain has now departed for PSG from the Spanish capital. Ramos is an expert at everything and can score, defend, and even attack. Both admirers and critics feel the same way about him. Strong and quick, he thrives in one-on-one matchups and, when called upon, can be a threat in offensive situations.
Best defenders in the world: Gerard Pique
The Shakira guy is deserving of the third spot on this list, despite some people disagreeing with his ranking. Pique typifies the modern center-half; he was a dominant and technically proficient defender. Pique is an excellent distributor, a solid game reader, and a strong tackler. The game has progressed, but Pique’s skill has not. Pique was the center of attention and the driving force behind Vicente del Bosque’s World Cup- and European Championship-winning Spain squad during Pep Guardiola’s tiki-taka era at the Nou Camp. Even though he hasn’t played his best recently, he is still just as important to the cause as he has been for the past ten years.
Thiago Silva
Thiago Silva is one of the many outstanding footballers from Brazil. He is without a doubt one of the world’s greatest defenders. The renowned AC Milan and Fluminense midfielder is one of the game’s most versatile players, possessing remarkable skill, strength, and intelligence, all of which combine to make him an outstanding defender. The inspiration for Paris Saint-Germain was Silva. A true club icon, he guided them on their incredible ascent to the level of a European superclub. The Brazilian is vying for this season’s League title at Chelsea, where he won the European title alongside his former PSG coach Thomas Tuchel.
Best defender in football: George Chiellini
In European football, Chiellini—the Italian brick wall—has left his mark. Leading his country to the 2020 Euros, the Italian captain helped his country defeat England and win the cup. The 37-year-old captains the team like a fighter, even at Juventus. Despite his lack of on-ball ability, he is one of the best football defenders. Chiellini’s remarkable positional awareness and tackling ability make him one of the world’s most formidable one-on-one opponents. In a world where center-backs who play with the ball dominate, the Italian offers balance despite not being particularly quick or skilled with it. He does a good job carrying out his duties and prevents opponents from dribbling by.
Best defender in football: Raphael Varane
Varane, a steadfast Frenchman, has emerged as one of this generation’s top players. 18 major trophies have been won by the defender since he joined Los Blancos in 2011. The World Cup winner gained experience at Real Madrid and swiftly earned a spot in the starting lineup. The 27-year-old center defender is a versatile player. He is an expert at moving into midfield with the ball and starting attacks for his team. He also has the quick recovery speed to make up for mistakes committed by teammates. His analysis of the game is outstanding. Now that the Frenchman has joined Premier League powerhouse Manchester United, he may once again play alongside CR7, his former Madrid partner.
Ruben Dias
Ruben Dias is yet another high-priced addition to City. The Portuguese international cost a staggering £65 million to Pep Guardiola’s team. He had a rough start to the season before, but he has since shown everyone that their money was well spent. The 23-year-old has given Pep Guardiola’s defense and the orchestra’s backline, even leadership and organization. As reliable as a rock, he plays defense brilliantly and is among the Premier League’s top centerbacks right now. He’s the defensive leader the Citizens have been lacking—calm on the ball and strong in his role. The defender still has a lot of room to grow into one of the top cornerbacks.
Marquinhos
With Silva’s departure, Marquinhos has assumed leadership at PSG. With Messi and Ramos by his side, the 27-year-old is captaining the French capital at Parc Des Princes, living a life of luxury. One of the greatest center backs in the world, Marquinhos is as fit as you like, an avid gamer, swift and strong, and aware of expansive gaming surroundings. As demonstrated by PSG’s recent Champions League runs, he is the captain, even when it comes to goals. He also commands respect at the back and excels in starting attacks and aerial and positional play. He has the same importance to the squad now as Thiago Silva had years ago.
Mats Hummels
Mats Hummels, a German international, is another center-back who has become a top-tier player in recent years. He has contributed to Dortmund’s rise to the summit of the European League. Hummels, the center-defense pairing for Dortmund, is a superb ball player who relies more on game knowledge than pace. He is odd in the way he brings the ball out of defense, combining rigidity and deft positional play. Hummels, a product of the Bayern academy, won five league titles, the 2014 World Cup, and the European Cup. The 32-year-old is back at Dortmund right now.
Kalidou Koulibaly
Another defender on this list that we just cannot overlook is Koulibaly. Despite his struggles and missing half of Napoli’s season due to injuries and COVID-19, the Senegalese defender is still considered Europe’s top prospect. He is a large, powerful, quick, aggressive, graceful, and athletic player. Napoli supporters have called him “The Wall.” The Senegalese player has led the league in clean sheets, tackles won, recoveries, successful passes, and successful passes in the opposition half since making his Serie A debut in 2014–15. Every summer, the 29-year-old is still connected to several elite teams.
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