'%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)
Scoring goals is not the primary duty of defenders. They are tasked with keeping opposition attackers at bay and quelling any signs of danger before it matures into a crisis. But ultimately, it's the team that scores the most number of goals that wins and it doesn't matter where the goals come from.
So defenders who can contribute in the goal-scoring department are a welcome addition to any side. Centre-backs are usually strong individuals with good aerial ability. This helps them dominate attackers inside their own half. This sort of dominance can help teams assert themselves in the attacking half as well.
Tall and strong defenders can be a real threat from set-pieces. In addition to stocky centre-backs, full-backs and wing-backs who regularly join their team's attack can also contribute at the goalscoring end of things.
Without further ado, let's take a look at five of the best goal-scoring defenders in the world right now.
#5 Marcos Alonso (Chelsea)
The mercurial Chelsea wing-back has a penchant for scoring great goals. His prominence in the Chelsea squad has risen and dipped in recent times. But the Spaniard fits in perfectly in Thomas Tuchel's system.
He loves keeping width on the left flank and bombing forward. Alonso can whip in a lovely cross and is also excellent at set-pieces. The 30-year-old scored a spectacular free-kick to get Chelsea's 2021-22 season underway against Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Alonso has scored 25 goals in 168 appearances for the Stamford Bridge outfit. Those are pretty solid numbers for a wing-back. It's hard to find wing-backs with an eye for goal and Alonso definitely is one.
#4 Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain)
The technically proficient Brazilian international has established himself as one of the best defenders in the world. Marquinhos' versatility has astounded fans and pundits alike and he can play in central midfield just as well as he can at the heart of defence.
In 40 appearances across all competitions in the 2020-21 season, the 27-year-old scored six goals. Despite not being a towering presence inside the area, Marquinhos is still a threat from set-pieces.
His strength, leap and timing have all helped him become a defender who can score valuable goals for his side. Marquinhos credits former PSG manager Laurent Blanc and assistant manager Claude Makelele for helping him hone his set-piece attacking ability.
#3 Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain)
Achraf Hakimi has already established himself as one of the best attacking full-backs in the world. The former Real Madrid man had an excellent loan spell at Borussia Dortmund and was subsequently signed by Inter Milan.
Hakimi was one of the Nerazzurri's best players as they ended Juventus' nine-year long dominance in Serie A. The 22-year-old scored seven goals in 37 Serie A appearances in addition to providing 10 assists.
Hakimi has all the attributes to become one of the best of his generation. He has pace to burn, is excellent with the ball at his feet and has exquisite technique which makes him a huge threat in the final third.
Paris Saint-Germain have secured his services this summer transfer window for €60 million. Hakimi has started the 2021-22 season on a good note and has already scored a goal in two appearances in Ligue 1.
#2 Robin Gosens (Atalanta)
There are several incredibly talented individuals in the Atalanta squad that make the Serie A outfit one of the most entertaining sides to watch in Europe. Prominent among them is left-back Robin Gosens, who is one of the best full-backs in the world right now.
Gosens most recently turned heads with a wonderful display for Germany against Portugal at Euro 2020, scoring a goal and providing an assist. The 27-year-old is one of the best goal-scoring defenders in the world.
He scored 11 goals in 32 appearances in Serie A in the 2020-21 season. The German international also provided six assists. Those numbers would be pretty good for a winger, let alone a left-back.
He is crucial to Atalanta's all-action, attack-oriented style of play and is currently in the final two years of his contract with the Serie A outfit. Gosens' goalscoring exploits have gone a long way towards making Atalanta top scorers in the Serie A for three consecutive seasons.
#1 Sergio Ramos (Paris Saint-Germain)
It's strange to see Paris Saint-Germain's name written next to Sergio Ramos and not Real Madrid. The Spaniard has spent almost the entirety of his professional career at Real Madrid and has now joined PSG as a free-agent.
We have hardly seen centre-backs with as much of a penchant for scoring goals as Ramos. He was Real Madrid's designated penalty kick taker since Cristiano Ronaldo left the club in 2018. He is also a dominant force inside the penalty box when it comes to set-pieces.
He has scored a whopping 104 goals in his senior club career and is expected to add plenty more during his time at Paris Saint-Germain.
