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Football is a team sport, where eleven players work together to achieve a common goal. Sometimes, there are players who try to go for glory themselves. But there are also others who seek out their teammates in better scoring situations than themselves.
Sometimes, it so happens that teams have two players who connect so well on the pitch that it is impossible to imagine the team playing without them.
One of the best duos in Bundesliga history is Frank Ribery and Arjen Robben. Affectionately nicknamed Robbery, their ruthless marauding runs down the flanks and astute connection on the pitch saw Bayern Munich win many trophies in the last decade.
In La Liga, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez connected effortlessly. They helped Barcelona win one trophy after the other, thanks to their feinting prowess and clinical brilliance in front of goal.
Barcelona certainly had other famous duos too. Xavi and Andres Iniesta ruled the Blaugrana midfield for years, while Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique held down the fort together in defence.
Football duos are certainly prized possessions for any team when they're on the pitch. With them in the XI, the team has a better chance of winning games. On that note, here's a look at five of the best duos in world football at the moment:
#5 Aymeric Laporte and Ruben Dias | Manchester City
Injuries and loss of form have seen Aymeric Laporte getting sidelined or benched quite a few times in his last two seasons with Manchester City. Although John Stones took over the centre-back spot, Laporte has done well to find his form and return to the City starting XI.
Alongside him is City's favourite superstar defender Ruben Dias, who was a key player in City's triumphant Premier League campaign last season. This season has seen both Laporte and Dias complement each other well in defence,
Thanks to their presence, City have conceded only four times in their nine Premier League games this season. The two players are also highly competent passers of the ball. Their ability to connect passes efficiently has helped Pep Guardiola's side hold lion's share of possession in most games.
As long as Laporte remains injury free, the Cityzens will have a strong and unbreakable defence when the two stars are on the pitch.
#4 Edin Dzeko and Lautaro Martinez | Inter Milan
While Lautaro Martinez has been with Inter Milan since 2018, Edin Dzeko has just joined the Serie A holders this season. But that hasn't stopped the two players from providing scintillating goals for the Nerazzurri this season.
Dzeko struggled to perform while at AS Roma last season, but his transfer to Internazionale has seen the star rediscover his mojo. He has also complemented well with Martinez, whose goalscoring has improved with each season he has been at the club.
It hardly matters that there's a ten-year age difference between the two strikers. What Dzeko lacks in pace and agility, Martinez makes up for that with his elegance and flair. Any shortcomings the Argentine forward may have in finishing are easily covered up by the Bosnian's powerful presence in front of goal.
The duo has scored 13 goals in all competitions for the Nerazzurri, and they are not likely to slow down any time soon.
#3 Antonio Rudiger and Thiago Silva | Chelsea
Last season saw Chelsea win the UEFA Champions League under Thomas Tuchel, who joined the club after Frank Lampard was ousted.
Two players who played a key role in that triumph were Antonio Rudiger and Thiago Silva. While Rudiger has been at the club since 2017, Silva arrived from PSG last summer, signing a one-year deal with the Blues.
The duo has maintained their places as Chelsea's defensive rocks. They have churned up one brilliant performance after the other, and have complemented each other well.
While Rudiger's strengths are his pace and athleticism, Thiago Silva's positional awareness and leadership have been key for the team. With the duo in the team, the Blues have a strong chance to mount a domestic title challenge and gun for another continental title.
#2 Erling Haaland and Raphael Guerreiro | Borussia Dortmund
They might seem like an unlikely duo, but Borussia Dortmund have enjoyed great attacking moments with the two players on the pitch. Although Erling Haaland is a striker, and Raphael Guerreiro is a left-back, their tandem has helped the team immensely.
Last season, Haaland scored 27 Bundesliga goals, assisting six, while Guerreiro scored five, assisting ten. This season has seen them in fine form again, with 15 Bundesliga goals and assists between them.
The left-back seems to have put on his scoring boots, while Haaland has always been among the goals. Their efforts could help Dortmund challenge their main rivals Bayern Munich.
#1 Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane | Liverpool
It's quite clear that Mohamed Salah is currently the best player in the world, going by current form.
His attacking displays and brilliance from the right flank have taken England - and Europe by storm, and there's no stopping the star now. On the left flank, Sadio Mane might not be as ruthless as his Liverpool counterpart, but his performances alongside Salah have been sublime.
The Egyptian has scored ten goals and assisted five in ten Premier League games this season. Mane, meanwhile, has scored five league goals in nine games. Both the 29-year-olds are entering the prime of their careers, and could produce a prolific campaign.
