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#3 Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Virgil van Dijk is a complete centre-back. Physically and technically gifted, the Netherlands international has been world-class since joining Liverpool.
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Despite his unfortunate injury last season, the Dutchman remains one of the best centre-backs in the game. Signed from Southampton in January 2018 for £76 million, van Dijk has been immense under Jurgen Klopp. He played a key role in Liverpool winning the Champions League and Premier League titles in successive seasons.
The 30-year-old suffered a serious injury last October during a game against Everton, and has not played for Liverpool since then. In his absence, the Reds looked defensively fragile, and their Premier League title defence imploded spectacularly before they recovered to finish third.
#2 Harry Maguire (Manchester United)
Eyebrows were raised when Manchester United paid £78.3 million to sign Harry Maguire from Leicester City in 2019, making him the most expensive centre-back in the game.
Maguire has proved to be a good buy, though. The England international is an excellent ball-carrier. And his imposing physical frame, as well as his strong leadership ability, have been key to Manchester United's progress under manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The 28-year-old's fitness levels have been impressive as well. Maguire has been a consistent presence in Manchester United's first XI since his arrival.
However, he was unfortunate to miss out on the Europa League final against Villarreal last season due to injury. His absence was massively felt, as United lost on penalties.
#1 Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus)
Leonardo Bonucci displayed his world-class qualities in Italy's victorious Euro 2020 campaign.
Italy's tradition of producing excellent centre-backs on a consistent basis is well-known, and Bonucci is no different. Renowned for his long, accurate passes, Bonucci has produced consistent performances, and is widely regarded as one of the best centre-backs of the modern generation.
The 34-year-old has made 442 appearances across two spells for Juventus, and has won eight Serie A titles. Bonucci's centre-back partnership with Giorgio Chiellini for both club and country has to go down as one of the best in the game.
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