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La Liga has been home to some of the greatest defenders in the game. Even though it's the least glamorous of roles on a football pitch, defenders are the unsung heroes of the game. In a world that's becoming increasingly obsessed with numbers, the contributions of the rearguard can easily slip under the radar.
But one thing all the dominant teams in history have had in common is a strong defensive unit. Midfielders and forwards need a reliable set of defenders at the back to be able to express themselves to the fullest. If the team is leaking goals at the back, it can not only make their jobs difficult, it can take their confidence away.
La Liga has featured some of the most technically proficient defenders of all time
La Liga has a reputation for featuring the most technically accomplished players in the world. The expansive nature of the Spanish game has urged its defenders to broaden their style of play. As a result, brute strength and tenacity started to be complemented by control on the ball and good passing range.
Without further ado, let's take a look at five of the best La Liga defenders of all time.
#5 Gerard Pique (Barcelona)
One of the best examples of a modern centre-back, Gerard Pique has marshaled the Barcelona backline to great effect over the course of his career. The Spaniard is one of the toughest characters in the Barcelona dressing room and has been a leader for the young crop for more than a decade now.
Standing at 194 cms, it's easy to see why he dominates aerial duels. What he lacks in pace, he makes up for with his anticipation and tactical intelligence. He is incredibly strong and is a great tackler. But what has truly earned him his status among the greats is his ability to compound the physical aspects with the technical side.
Pique is good with the ball at his feet and possesses a great passing range. Thanks to his aerial ability, Pique can also contribute on the other end of the pitch and is a constant threat from set-pieces.
The 34-year-old has won eight La Liga titles, three Champions League titles, seven Copa Del Reys and five Supercopa de Espanas. He also won the 2010 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2012 with Spain. Pique is undoubtedly one of the greatest La Liga defenders of all time.
#4 Roberto Carlos (Real Madrid)
If you've seen Roberto Carlos' incredible strikes, you wouldn't be surprised to learn that the Brazilian started out as a striker. But he eventually shifted positions and went on to write his name into the history books as one of the best left-backs of all time.
One of the best attacking full-backs to have graced the game, Roberto Carlos enjoyed an illustrious career. He joined Real Madrid in 1996 at the age of 23. After that, there was no looking back for El Hombre Bala ("The Bullet Man").
Carlos was a strong, pacy presence down the left flank and was an excellent passer of the ball. He could also ping accurate crosses into the area which made him all the more dangerous. The Brazilian was also a tireless worker and this enabled him to help out on both ends of the pitch to equal effect.
In the eleven years he spent playing for Real Madrid, Carlos won numerous major trophies. He won four La Liga titles, three UEFA Champions League titles and three Supercopa de Espanas.
#3 Jose Santamaria (Real Madrid)
As we had mentioned at the start, great teams always have a strong defence. Back in the 1950s and 60s, the likes of Alfredo Di Stefano, Paco Gento and Ference Puskas ran riot and helped establish Real Madrid as one of the European powerhouses. But they were aided by a strong supporting cast and Jose Santamaria was chief among them.
Nicknamed 'The Wall' for being a formidable presence at the back, Santamaria showcased excellent defensive abilities. He was also great at aerial duels and became a leader in Real Madrid's backline quite quickly after joining the club in 1957.
He won six La Liga titles, four European Cups, one Copa Del Rey and one European Cup with Real Madrid before retiring in 1966.
#2 Carles Puyol (Barcelona)
Carles Puyol provided the muscle that protected the elite midfielders and attackers he played behind and helped them dominate world football in the 21st century. A no-nonsense defender, Puyol was also a one-club man who spent his entire senior career at Barcelona.
Puyol was always willing to give it his all on the football pitch. Despite being just 178 cms tall, he could dominate aerial duels. He was a brave, tough-tackling defender and once the Spaniard improved his positioning and ability to organize his defence, there was no stopping him.
Although he is more famous for his defensive capabilities and heart, Puyol was also a solid technician. He was good with the ball at his feet and if paired alongside a ball-playing defender, Puyol was always going to deliver.
He has won six La Liga titles, three Champions League titles and one Copa Del Rey in his Barcelona career. Puyol is undoubtedly one of the greatest defenders to have ever played in La Liga.
#1 Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)
An absolute rock at the back for Real Madrid for 16 years, the club will be different now that Sergio Ramos has decided to leave. He might have a reputation for his recklessness on occasion but he used his strength and physique to great effect throughout his career.
An incredible athlete, Ramos was also a great goalscoring defender. There are hardly any defenders around that can match the Spaniard's aerial ability. Whatever obstacle you put in front of Ramos, he just seemed to walk past it with ease. He is also an exemplary leader of men and has played a crucial role in Real Madrid's dominance in Europe in recent times.
Ramos has it all. He is an aggressive tackler and possesses great aerial ability. He is also brilliant at reading the game and making interceptions. In addition to all that, Ramos is also a wonderful passer of the ball. Suffice to say, he is the complete package.
In his 16 year long stint with Real Madrid, Ramos won five La Liga titles, four Champions League titles, two Copa Del Reys and four Supercopa de Espanas. He was also chosen as the best defender in La Liga on five occasions.
