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Over the years, defenders have taken it to another dimension by placing themselves amongst some of the most expensive players in the world, after all, the defence is the is that really makes the difference for a team.
The likes of Virgil van Dijk and Raphael Varane who have established themselves as some of the most powerful defenders in the world have justified their price tag by not letting any attacker past them in any possible means.
Five such defenders have had their transfer values skyrocketing in the past year or so, but all of it has been a reflection of the kind of performance that they have delivered in order to secure victories for their team by not conceding too many goals.
They are the ones you can rely on when too many questions are being asked. With the January transfer window being the next stop for the big names in Europe, can they still stay on top as the most expensive defenders in the world?
#5 John Stones - Manchester City (€55million)
Manchester City has conceded only five goals this season, thanks to their rock-solid defence comprising of some of the highest rated defenders in the world.
One such personality has stood above everyone else; Along with his fellow centre-back Aymeric Laporte, John Stones has become an extremely important defender not just for Guardiola, but for the English national team as well.
Known for his work rate and physical presence, Stones was mainly seen as a full-time replacement for veteran City defender Vincent Kompany and has done nothing wrong ever since his arrival.
His leadership qualities and hard-hitting tackles are his two main traits, along with the ability to get his team out of sticky situations.
Last season as well, Stones played an extremely important role in order to get Guardiola his very first Premier League title.
All Stats via transfermarkt
#4 Kalidou Koulibaly - Napoli (€60million)
Napoli has always delivered in terms of developing some of the world-class football players we have ever seen.
The likes of Lorenzo Insigne, Dries Mertens and Jorginho are at its place, but once such superstar has had the attention.
Koulibaly's tall stature makes it extremely difficult for the attackers to get past him at most of the times.
His leadership qualities and strength is something that has been very useful for his current team.
The Senegalese is rated as one of the most expensive African players along with his national teammate Sadio Mane.
Such is the resilience of the 27-year-old, that Maurizio Sarri is now looking forward to signing him for Chelsea, as Koulibaly has played under Sarri in the past.
His pace, physical presence, and leadership qualities can surely land him to a bigger club with better opportunities, as he surely has the attention.
#3 Virgil van Dijk - Liverpool (€60million)
Ever since his arrival at the Anfield, the Liverpool defence has strengthed itself like none other, as they have conceded only five goals in the Premier League this season, and van Dijk has played a very important role in the making of one of the best defences in the top 5 European leagues.
With his tall stature, calm composure and pace, Jurgen Klopp has established a free-flow counter-attacking system, in which van Dijk fits perfectly as he is seen rolling the ball up front.
His leadership qualities unknown to many has been key to Liverpool's defence being extremely rock-solid, as he controls the back four.
With Joe Gomez on his side, the duo has had an extremely powerful connection and have been able to eliminate waves of attacks using their pace and power.
Surely, van Dijk is one of the best defenders in the world, and his price tag can justify that.
#2 Samuel Umtiti - Barcelona (€70million)
With Javier Mascherano nearing his end as a centre-back, it was time for somebody to take his place in order to become a long-term replacement.
It was no surprise that Barcelona opted for one of the hottest talents in Ligue 1 as Samuel Umtiti became their first choice centre-back. The Frenchmen is an extremely tough defender to get through and is known for his awareness and versatility in the defence.
He was also one of the main reasons why France was able to establish a rock-solid defence at the World Cup, where Umtiti played an extremely important role in the backline, replacing the obvious choice Laurent Koscielny.
He did score from a header in the semi-finals against Belgium, taking his team to the finals of the world cup. Barcelona is giving it all this season, and are the candidates to win the treble, Umtiti could play a very important role in the making.
#1 Raphael Varane - Real Madrid (€80million)
One does not simply become the most expensive defender in the world, as Raphael Varane has worked extremely hard this year in order to set his own price tag at its place.
With him winning the UEFA Champions League for a third time in a row and the FIFA World Cup this year, Varane is one of the favourites to win the Ballon d'Or.
As a player, the Frenchmen has transitioned in many ways from being one of the most underrated talents to becoming a key to the Real Madrid defence.
His leadership qualities have given him an edge and are something that separates him from the rest of the defenders in the world, pulling his team out of the tricky situations in order to build the game from the back.
In addition, Varane is also known for his agility and pace, a trait that is not common among all the centre-backs.
All Stats via transfermarkt
