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The art of defending has evolved over the years, with defenders now expected to actively contribute to the attack as well.
Full-backs are expected to maraud forward and provide support offensively, while top European clubs prefer centre-backs who are good on the ball. These centre-backs begin the attack with their precise passing.
However, very few expect defenders to score goals at a consistent rate. Over the years, Ronald Koeman and Sergio Ramos have been the exceptions to this rule.
With that in mind, we look at five defenders who have scored the most goals in the 21st century.
#5 Roberto Carlos | 48 goals
Regarded as one of the best left-backs of the modern generation, Roberto Carlos was renowned for his attacking capabilities.
Carlos' European adventure began with Inter Milan, but it was at Real Madrid where he became one of the best in the world. The Brazil international was known for his powerful runs and ferocious shots, and was often utilized as a set-piece taker due to his ability on the ball.
Carlos has made 527 appearances in all competitions for Real Madrid, scoring 70 goals. After stints with Galatasaray, Corinthians and Delhi Dynamos, he retired in 2015.
Also Read: 5 defenders with the most goals in Europe's top 5 leagues this season
#4 Daniel Van Buyten | 63 goals
A physically gifted centre-back, Daniel Van Buyten was a looming defender who played for some of the biggest clubs in the world.
Having begun his career with Charleroi, Van Buyten made his name at Marseille and Hamburger. The Belgium international subsequently joined Bayern Munich in 2006. Scoring at a consistent rate, he won four Bundesliga titles and a Champions League trophy with the club.
Van Buyten made 239 appearances in all competitions for the Bundesliga giants and scored 28 goals for them. Due to his physical presence, he was a threat aerially in both the boxes.
Also Read: Euro 2020: 5 young players who could become household names after the tournament
#3 Naldo | 65 goals
Naldo, like Daniel Van Buyten, was a tall centre-back who enjoyed a good spell in the Bundesliga.
The Brazil international spent much of his career representing Werder Bremen and Wolfsburg. At Werder Bremen, Naldo made 254 appearances in all competitions, scoring 36 goals and winning the DFB-Pokal in 2009. He was also part of the their runners-up finish in the 2008-09 UEFA Cup.
With Wolfsburg, the centre-back made 163 appearances in all competitions and scored 20 goals, winning another DFB-Pokal with the Wolves.
His spells with Schalke and AS Monaco were less successful. Naldo retired in 2020 and is currently a member of the coaching staff at the Royal Blues.
#2 John Terry | 67 goals
Regarded as one of the best centre-backs of the modern game, John Terry spent almost the entirety of his career with Chelsea.
A product of the Chelsea academy, Terry has made 713 appearances in all competitions for the club, scoring 67 goals. A dominant centre-back, the England international was reknowned for his leadership ability. He won five Premier League titles and one Champions League trophy with the Blues.
The centre-back departed Chelsea in 2017 and spent a season with Aston Villa, where he assumed the role of assistant head coach post-retirement in 2018.
#1 Sergio Ramos | 104 goals
Sergio Ramos is an anomaly in the world of football, with very few players regarded as highly as him at the age of 35.
His fitness may have been a problem during the 2020-21 season but Ramos was a near constant fixture in the Real Madrid first XI since joining the club in 2005. An aggressive centre-back with good technical skills, the Spain international is considered a Real Madrid legend.
Ramos departed Real Madrid a few weeks ago and has been heavily linked with Paris Saint-Germain. It is evident that the centre-back can offer a lot at the highest level and signing him on a free transfer would be a good bargain for any club.
Also Read: 5 most valuable free agents this summer
