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As football evolves, the demands from various positions on the field change as well. Centre-backs nowadays are not just expected to defend and hoof the ball out when under pressure. They are supposed to be elegant on the ball, capable of starting attacks as well as snuffing them out when necessary.
There has been a dearth of top-class centre-backs in the world recently, with Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk and Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos counted as elite centre-backs.
However, the emergence of Manchester City's Ruben Dias, as well as the likes of John Stones and Harry Maguire and young stars like Sevilla's Jules Kounde and Matthijs de Ligt has been heartening to see.
On that note, let's take a look at the five most expensive centre-backs in the game at the moment.
#5 Aymeric Laporte (Manchester City) | €65 million
Aymeric Laporte was one of the best centre-backs in the league till last season but is now only the third-choice at Manchester City.
The 26-year old was signed in January 2018 from Athletic Bilbao as Manchester City looked to fortify their defence. He proved to a good signing by the club, as Laporte became a key presence in the Manchester City backline, impressing with his defensive prowess and passing ability.
Capable of playing as a left-back when needed, Laporte has not featured consistently in the league this season, making only 14 Premier League starts.
The form of Ruben Dias and John Stones has resulted in Laporte dropping to the bench, despite producing good performances whenever he has received an opportunity.
#4 Ruben Dias (Manchester City) | €68 million
Manchester City, who were keen to sign a centre-back last summer, were linked heavily with Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly and Sevilla's Jules Kounde.
They eventually decided to snap up Ruben Dias from Benfica for €68 million, a fee that raised eyebrows. Dias had done well at Benfica, but there were doubts about his ability to replicate that form in the Premier League.
Nearly a season later, the Portugal international is regarded as one of the best centre-backs in the world.
His impact at Manchester City has been incredible, as the 23-year old has emerged as one of the favourites to win the PFA Player of the Year award.
Manchester City are on the cusp of winning the Premier League and are in the final of the Champions League. If they win both competitions, Dias could be in the race for the Ballon d'Or award too.
Also Read: 5 biggest under-performers from the Premier League's Big 6 this season (2020-21)
#3 Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool) | €84.7 million
Regarded as the world's best centre-back till his serious injury early this season, Virgil van Dijk has missed almost the entirety of the 2020-21 campaign.
Van Dijk's importance to Liverpool cannot be understated. Without the Netherlands international's reassuring presence in their defence this season, Liverpool have struggled to get going and have endured a disappointing season.
A leader at the back, who is renowned for his pace, strength and passing ability, Van Dijk has produced performances for Liverpool that have justified his €84.6 price tag, an amount the Reds paid to Southampton for his services.
The centre-back has won the Premier League and the Champions League with Liverpool and was the PFA Players' Player of the Year as well as the Premier League Player of the Season in the 2018-19 season.
The 29-year old made just eight appearances in all competitions this season before his injury as he looks to return stronger next season.
#2 Matthijs de Ligt (Juventus) | €85.5 million
One of the best young centre-backs in the world, Matthijs de Ligt is regarded as a future superstar of the game.
A product of the Ajax academy, De Ligt was sensational for the club during the 2018-19 season, cementing his place as one of the best young players in the world. Amid interest from Barcelona and Manchester United, the Netherlands international signed for Juventus in 2019.
De Ligt has been a key part of the Juventus backline since his arrival. The 21-year old won the Serie A in his first season at the club. While Juventus have struggled this season, De Ligt's stock has continued to rise. However, it is pertinent that he continues to learn from the likes of Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini.
#1 Harry Maguire (Manchester United) | €87 million
The world's most expensive centre-back, Harry Maguire has been an ever-present in the Manchester United defence since his arrival in 2019 from Leicester City.
Maguire had been linked with Manchester United the season before, but a move failed to materialise. The centre-back was handed the armband a few months after his arrival at Old Trafford, and Maguire has been a solid addition in the United backline.
Strong in the air and a good passer, the England international is prone to occasional errors, but his presence has bolstered the Manchester United defence.
Maguire's fitness has been highly appreciated as well. Before his injury to Aston Villa on Sunday, the 28-year old rarely missed a game for Manchester United. He has already made more than 100 appearances in all competitions for the club in under two seasons.
Also Read: 5 best player-manager relationships in football.
