5 meanest defences in European club football this season

#3: Bayern Munich - 32 goals conceded (34 games)

David Alaba aadapted perfectly to his new centre-back role for German football giants Bayern Munich.

At the start of the season, Bayern Munich would have probably wanted to play Niklas Sule and new record signing Lucas Hernandez as a preferred centre-back pairing.

But long term injuries to both players meant that the German football giants had to improvise. Jerome Boateng was recalled from the fringes and marauding left-back David Alaba was asked to partner him. All this happened while Benjamin Pavard, who regularly played as a centre-back for Stuttgart, was played at right-back.

Young Canadian left winger Alphonso Davies deputised at left-back. Yet, all of the makeshift changes worked to perfection as Bayern Munich lifted their eighth consecutive German top-flight title.

#4: Liverpool - 33 goals conceded (38 games)

Virgil Van Dijk was at his absolute best for Premier League champions Liverpool.

Their recent lapses apart, Liverpool were wonderful this season as they landed their first Premier League title, which was also their first league title in over three decades. And a lot of credit for that must go to their backline.

Virgil Van Dijk has been an absolute beast at the back; he is, without doubt, the best defender in the world at the moment. His guidance and leadership were very helpful for young Joe Gomez.

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson were up to their usual antics as well, combining defence with a large dose of assists. Goalkeeper Allisson too was very consistent.

Others like Joel Matip, Neco Williams, Adrian and Dejan Lovren also chipped in as and when required.

#5: Sevilla - 34 goals conceded (38 games)

Fernando and Jesus Navas have been crucial for Sevilla

Sevilla underwent a revamp last summer and that led to a strong La Liga season as they managed to secure Champions League football in 2020-21.

A bunch of new players were brought in alongside coach Julen Lopetegui. A big reason for their success this season was their stingy defence - one that let in only 34 goals.

The young centre-back pairing of Diego Carlos and Jules Kounde performed exceptionally well while the combination of the evergreen Jesus Navas and the fresh-faced Sergio Reguilon worked like a dream on the football field.

Tomas Vaclik in goal and Fernando in defensive midfield also played their parts to perfection as well.

Note: The Serie A football season is yet to get over. But it is already mathematically impossible for any football side from the Italian top flight to feature in this list.