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#3 Pau Torres
Pau Torres has been making a case for himself in the last few seasons as one of the top ball-playing defenders.
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The stylish Spanish defender exhibits tremendous control over the ball, and is known for his accurate long passes. He is equally good at carrying the ball into the opposition half. So it's no surprise he has been on the radar of some of the biggest clubs, including Manchester United and Real Madrid.
Villarreal will be thankful that Pau Torres has decided to stay at the club this season. He has been a key player for them this season. Although he has yet to register a goal contribution, Torres is ranked third with 3767 yards of progressive distance carried.
#2 Ruben Dias
Ruben Dias is one of the top centre-backs in the world right now. Since his move from Benfica, Dias has been stellar in defence.
Post the retirement of Vincent Kompany, Manchester City have lacked a leader at the back. Dias has seemingly addressed that, and has looked better than any other defender at the club.
Dias' greatest asset is his ball-carrying ability and game-building skills. In Guardiola's system, there is a massive requirement for defenders to be good on the ball, as the build-up happens from the back.
Suffice to say, Dias has been the perfect cog in the well-oiled City machine. With a significant distance of carrying the ball in the opposition half. Dias has the second-highest total progressive distance (4110 yards) in Europe's top five leagues this season.
#1 Aymeric Laporte
At his best, Aymeric Laporte was undroppable in Guardiola's team. He used to play the role Dias now does with perfection. However, a lean patch and inconsistent performance saw Laporte put on the backburner.
The Spaniard, hailing from France, has seen a resurgence of sorts of late, though.
Laporte has grabbed headlines with his steady performances this season. He has complemented Dias well at City at both ends.
Pep Guardiola's gameplan can be understood when the top two defenders with the most progressive carrying distance in Europe's top five leagues are from Manchester City. This campaign, Laporte has tallied 4373 yards, the most among defenders across Europe's top five leagues.
