'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
#3 Eder Militao (7.01)
Of all the teams in La Liga, Real Madrid probably have the best scouting system. Los Blancos managed to prise young Brazilian defender Eder Militao from FC Porto with a clear vision in mind. The young defender was to pick up the baton whenever the old guard chose to leave. Last summer, the club lost Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane, but were in no hurry to buy any defenders because of their trust in Militao.
Militao has made 21 appearances in La Liga this season and has helped his side keep seven clean sheets. The 24-year-old is averaging 1.7 interceptions and 1.7 tackles per 90 minutes and has contributed a goal and an assist. The Brazilian has always been very involved in the way Real Madrid play out from the back, and he averages around 73.7 touches of the ball per 90 minutes.
Militao has managed to ensure Ramos and Varane are not missed at Real Madrid with the quality of his performances. The defender has managed to elevate himself to a level in Spain where he is one of the best defenders in the league.
#2 Sergiño Dest (7.02)
Due to the poor season Barcelona are having, it is quite surprising to see one of their players listed among the best defenders this season. Sergiño Dest has proven himself to be a dependable player for the team despite their struggles this season.
Dest turned Bayern Munich down to join FC Barcelona and has performed well in Catalunya. Injuries have limited Dest to only 13 league appearances this season. Dest has recorded three assists and five key passes this season for Barcelona. The 21-year-old American loves to play on the front foot, and his average of 1.7 tackles per 90 is an indicator of his fearlessness in defending.
Dest has shown that he can play as a full-back on either side, and this versatility gives him an edge over other similar full-backs. Dest is definitely one to watch out for in the coming seasons, due to the amount of quality he has.
#1 David Garcia (7.09)
Osasuna captain David Garcia is the most highly-rated defender in all of La Liga for his exploits with Osasuna this season. The 27-year-old Spaniard rose through the ranks at the club, only to go out on a single loan deal.
Garcia has made 20 league appearances this season in an Osasuna shirt and has helped his side keep eight clean sheets. The Spaniard reads the game calmly and well while protecting his goalkeeper from shots. Garcia has managed to score four goals for Osasuna this season, meaning that he also has goals in him.
Garcia is a quality central defender who has a big role to play if Osasuna are to avoid the drop and remain in the Spanish top-flight. The club captain will look to do his best to keep his side afloat and competing with the best teams in Spain.
