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#3 Harry Maguire (Manchester United)
Manchester United captain Harry Maguire's stock has risen considerably over the course of the summer. Maguire was sorely missed in the closing stages of the 2020-21 season as he was sidelined with an ankle injury. He also helped transform the England side at Euro 2020 upon his return and played a big hand in the Three Lions' run to the final of the continental competition.
Maguire is an excellent ball-playing centre-back. Playing out from the back is crucial to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's tactics and the English centre-back is great with the ball at his feet. He consistently passes the ball between the lines and helps Manchester United maintain the ball high up the pitch with his sweeping skills.
The 28-year-old is also pretty good in a defensive sense and is quite dominant in aerial duels. Now that Manchester United have added yet another ball-playing centre-back in Raphael Varane, they might get even stronger in attack.
#2 David Alaba (Real Madrid)
Austrian all-rounder David Alaba is one of the most versatile players in the world. He can play anywhere on the left flank, in midfield and at centre-back. The 29-year-old is technically proficient and is excellent with the ball at his feet.
Alaba has predominantly played as a centre-back in recent seasons. His ball-playing skills have been crucial to Bayern keeping a high-line as he is able to keep his composure even in high-pressure situations.
Alaba has joined Real Madrid and has inherited the number 4 jersey previously worn by Sergio Ramos. Those are big boots to fill but Alaba definitely has the skillset required to give it a shot and a half.
#1 Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
When Liverpool signed Virgil van Dijk for £75 million, there was a hint of doubt as to whether he would be able to justify that price tag. However, the Dutchman has truly done that and then some. His arrival had a galvanizing effect on Klopp's side and immediately transformed them into Champions League winners.
The 30-year-old is not only pacy, aggressive and stoic at the back, but he is also excellent in possession. Van Dijk is exceptional at bringing the ball out from the back and spraying passes through the lines to help Liverpool move up the pitch.
He also plays some wonderful long-range balls into the paths of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane and helps Liverpool shift from defence to attack in a jiffy. After spending almost three-quarters of the 2020-21 season sidelined with an injury, Van Dijk has returned and it doesn't look like he's missed a beat.
