In the transfer market, the most important clubs in Europe spend millions to buy new star forwards, but in recent years the high level displayed by defenders caught the attention of the great powers who began to value their players in million-dollar figures. Central defenders who cost more than 50 million euros, the investments that leaders make to protect their goals. In 90min we review the TOP 15 of the most important defensive players in the world.
The 2022-2023 season was very productive for the Croatian defender, as he helped his country reach the semifinals of the World Cup, also won the DFB-Pokal with RB Leipzig and finished third in the Bundesliga. He now has a mammoth move to Manchester City looming and will only improve under Pep Guardiola.
France is well secured in central defense and the Bayern Munich defender is among their best options thanks to his strength, speed and anticipation. The Frenchman is always looking for the right pass as he impressed under Julian Nagelsmann during his time at RB Leipzig.
From Chelsea FC he moved to Carlo Ancelotti's team for a fee of millions, but given the world-class nature of the two-time World Cup winner's performances in recent years, it is a wonderful investment. He is not yet at his highest level with the meringues, however, his performances with the “Blues” still help him rank among the best central defenders in the world.
Fans across Europe took notice of the South Korean's indomitable skill as he led Napoli's defense to the Scudetto for the 2022-23 season. The Bundesliga champions welcomed one of the best in the world to the Allianz Arena.
The Frenchman, world champion in Russia 2018, owes himself a good season at United. He still couldn't satisfy the fans with his game. However, the trophy-laden years with Real Madrid are difficult to ignore and the defender's importance to the whites during his ten seasons at the Bernabéu keep him among the best centre-backs.
On July 3, 2019, he left Girondins de Bordeaux for Sevilla FC after signing a contract until 2024, for 25 million euros, thus becoming the most expensive signing in the history of the Seville club. Then in 2022 he arrived at the Catalan team, since Xavi started him he did not take him out and in his first season he won the Spanish League and the Super Cup.
When Ajax Amsterdam seemed to break into the Champions League final of the 2018-19 season, the Dutchman performed like a colossus in the lower half as a teenager, drawing attention. His talent is undoubted and, although the defender's progress stalled at Juventus, his move to Bayern Munich is bringing out the best in him.
It is impossible not to mention the Dutchman who is a prominent figure at Liverpool. With the team led by Jürguen Klopp, he won the Champions League in 2020. The defensive errors that the English team has had in the last year were also due to the different injuries he suffered in the last season and left him on the sidelines. If the player is at 100% to start the season, he is sure to be at a very high level as he is accustomed to.
From being an eternal substitute at Manchester City, there was a time when the defender seemed to be out of the scene, to confirming himself as one of the best centre-backs in the world when paired with Rúben Dias. The Englishman has once again won the favor of Pep Guardiola and his versatility at right-back and in midfield means he is never too far from the starting XI.
Tottenham fans quickly fell in love with the aggressive Argentine international. Cuti won the Serie A Defender of the Year award for his performances with Atalanta before joining the Spurs. The world champion with the Argentine national team is a fundamental piece in Ange Postecoglou's team. Added to this, in recent years he managed to win the World Cup, the Copa América and the Finalissima with the Argentine team.
The Slovakian plays for Paris Saint-Germain in France's Ligue 1. He is also a player for the Slovakia national team where he is its captain. On July 6, 2023, his signing to the Parisian club was made official, arriving free after having ended his contract with Inter Milan. His playing style is characterized by his precision in long and short passes, he rarely suffers serious injuries and his imposing figure, almost two meters tall.
The departures of Sergio Ramos and Räphael Varane from Real Madrid meant that someone had to fill some huge shoes and so far the Brazilian has managed to do just that. Currently, he has established himself as one of the best young centre-backs in the
world and has the potential to be the undisputed starter at Real Madrid alongside David Alaba. He is a proactive defender who has an excellent recovery rate, expecting him to improve even more at the Bernabéu.
The appearance of the Uruguayan was one of his few brilliant moments for the culé team. The Uruguayan established himself under the orders of the Dutchman Ronald Koeman. Although he is not the best with the ball at his feet, the World Cup winner is always active at the back and likes to take the first step when he recovers the ball. His tactical awareness and air presence mark him out as a major force to contend with over the next decade.
The Brazilian arrived in Paris with many expectations regarding his potential. The 2019 Copa América champion with the Brazil national team is improving with age and is a vital presence at the international level. He has hierarchy, an excellent first pass, he is the commanding voice of the entire team, he empowers his teammates with his strength, he is captain of both Paris Saint-Germain and the national team.
The Portuguese was named FWA Footballer of the Year, Manchester City Player of the Year, Premier League Player of the Season and UEFA Champions League Defender of the Season. The Portugal international was a pillar during the “Citizens’” treble conquest. There is no better center back at the moment. After many years looking for a defensive piece, Pep Guardiola found the ideal center back who not only defends well, but also generates play and creates danger by assisting his teammates with the first pass.
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