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#7 HARRY MAGUIRE - MANCHESTER UNITED
Harry Maguire has often been unfairly criticised during his spell at Manchester United, but the fact remains that his addition has made the backline more solid.
Maguire joined Manchester United from Leicester City in 2019 for €87 million, making him the most expensive defender of all-time. He was everpresent for the Red Devils, becoming their captain this January after the departure of Ashley Young to Inter Milan.
While there have been some mistakes, the England international has looked good for the majority of the season, with his ball-playing ability crucial for manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
#6 JORGINHO - CHELSEA
For much of the summer, it seemed as if Jorginho's time at Chelsea had come to an end.
The emergence of young Billy Gilmour had made Jorginho a bench player, and there were rumours that he would be sold. However, he continues to be a part of Frank Lampard's squad, and the Italy international looks unlikely to leave the club, with Ross Barkley having already departed.
Having joined Chelsea in 2018 for €57 million, the 28-year old is one of the more experienced members of a young Chelsea squad, and Lampard will hope that he helps the likes of Gilmour and Mount in developing into better players.
#5 SERGIO BUSQUETS - BARCELONA
Long touted as the most underrated player in world football, Sergio Busquets is clearly not the player he once was.
One of the best defensive midfielders to have played the game, the Spain international is now seen as a liability instead of an asset. However, Busquets, who has spent his entire playing career at Barcelona, seems intent on proving that that is not the case, with some strong performances at the start of the season.
The 32-year old has been admired by the likes of Johan Cruyff and Vicente del Bosque for his playing style, and will likely finish his playing career at his beloved Barcelona, where he has made nearly 600 appearances in all competitions since making his debut in 2008.
#4 MATS HUMMELS - BORUSSIA DORTMUND
One of the world's best centre-backs during his prime, Mats Hummels continues to play an important role for Borussia Dortmund.
Hummels rejoined Borussia Dortmund from Bayern Munich for €30.5 million in 2019, having made more than 300 appearances in all competitions during his first spell at the club. The 31-year old has been entrusted with guiding young defenders like Manuel Akanji and Dan-Axel Zagadou, while playing meaningful minutes of his own.
An excellent passer well-renowned for his intelligence and strength, the Germany international remains a top player for the German giants.
Also Read: 10 greatest goalkeepers of the 21st century
