Find out who are considered to be the top 10 best defenders in the world in this comprehensive ranking list. Be up to date with 2022’s top 10 defenders!
From time immemorial, the success of a team on the field of play has often been attributed to the player who scores the match-winning goal, or the standout performer in such a team.
Many accolades aren’t given to the defenders who put their bodies on the line to ensure that the winning side doesn’t concede any goal.
But if the success of a football team is critically assessed, it would be an aberration if the defenders in the team aren’t given the credit they deserve.
The defenders not only prevent opposition strikers from scoring, but they also contribute immensely to the foray of the attackers in the opponent’s half by supplying the balls to the midfielders.
This has clearly made their job even more tedious than attackers, whose primary duty is to score goals.
Top 10 Best Defenders In The World
Right here at NaijNaira.com, we have selected the ten best defenders in the game as of now.
10. Marquinhos – Brazil & Paris Saint Germain
One of the traits of a solid defender is the ability to play at any side of the defence, a trait that this Brazilian defender possesses. Marquinhos has been imperious for the French giants since switching from Roma in 2013.
The 28-year-old will succinctly fit into the defensive midfield role, as well as the right back, centre back and left back. His positioning, physicality and great passing ability can only be matched by a few of his contemporaries in the world.
9. Raphael Varane – France & Manchester United
Varane might not be hitting it big with Manchester United currently due to constant injuries and The Red Devils’ inconsistent displays, but his reliability at the heart of the defence is a big deal.
Technique and physicality are the strength of the veteran defender and with his blistering pace, he is the ideal modern-day centre-back even in his old age.
8. Sergio Ramos – Spain & Paris Saint Germain
A sixteen-year stay in Real Madrid’s defence is no mean feat and Ramos is still in the ranks of the best and greatest centre-backs in the world at the age of thirty-six.
The former Real Madrid captain is physically strong, can vie for aerial balls due to his elevation and he’s got a knack for goals. However, the bane of Ramos is frequent injuries, but his quality is never in doubt.
7. Aymeric Laporte – Spain & Manchester City
Laporte is one of the most revered centre-backs in the Premier League today and in the world at large due to his classy defending abilities.
The Spaniard is a ball-playing defender that understands how an onslaught can be orchestrated from the backfoot – little wonder he fits into Guardiola’s setup pretty well. Laporte is Spain’s perfect replacement for the ageing Sergio Ramos, and he will be immense for La Roja at the World Cup in November.
6. Eder Militao – Brazil & Real Madrid
Militao’s early days at the Santiago Bernabeu were a forgettable one when he couldn’t hit it big with the Los Blancos early enough. But he has grown in leaps and bounds, particularly after the exodus of Ramos and Varane in the Real Madrid side.
Militao was hugely relied on in Real’s route to the Spanish LaLiga and UEFA Champions League glory last term, and the best is yet to come from the Brazilian. He’s expected to have a formidable partnership with Marquinhos when the Mundial starts in two months in Qatar.
5. Antonio Rüdiger – Germany & Real Madrid
Rüdiger developed from a jittery and error-prone defender to a rugged and composed beast of a defender in his five-year spell with Chelsea.
He now has the ability to sublimely read the game, and with utmost confidence, Rüdiger now carries the ball forward with the intent that cannot be intimidated. He has featured in all of Madrid’s matches this campaign and if he remains fit, he will be instrumental in Madrid’s quest to retain the LaLiga title.
4. David Alaba – Austria & Real Madrid
Alaba is versatile. He’s a great left-back, dependable holding midfielder and a decent left winger up front.
After swapping the Bavarians for the Los Blancos last summer, he came into the Real Madrid setup like the missing piece and proved to be a shrewd signing ultimately, thus propelling Real to a thirty-fifth league triumph and the fourteenth UEFA Champions League win.
3. Kalidou Koulibaly – Senegal & Chelsea
The only African on the list; Koulibaly has been in the discussion of the best defenders in the game for close to a decade since his arrival at Napoli from Genk in 2014. He’s a great passer of the ball, strong and always committed to the team’s cause.
The Senegalese international during his eight-year spell in the Italian topflight league grew to become a modern-day defender. His contribution to the offensive flow of the team is tremendous, however, his influence is yet to rub off positively on the Chelsea side.
2. Virgil van Dijk – Netherlands & Liverpool
Liverpool’s talismanic defender has over time divided opinions on his status as one of the best in the game due to his manner of approaching attackers to win the ball, but his influence on the Kops’ backline since he joined in 2018 is clearly undeniable.
Virgil van Dijk’s astute performance has been pretty solid and has greatly improved Liverpool’s system. His pace and meticulousness allow Jurgen Klopp’s high line to thrive, and his aerial ability bails them out whenever opponents get in behind. However, the former Southampton man is second behind someone…
1. Ruben Dias – Portugal & Manchester City
Until Dias’ arrival at the Etihad, the back pain in Pep’s team was never sorted. The FWA Player of the Year in the 2020/2021 season alongside Laporte created deadly chemistry in City’s backline.
His presence at the back always allows the guys in the midfield to scurry forward in search of the goals. He’s the foundation which Manchester City will build upon for years and years to come.
In conclusion, who are your top 10 best defenders in the world? You’ve seen our 2022 rankings and see who made our top 10 list of best defenders in the world.
Article updated 2 months ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
