5 most overrated defenders in the world right now

Defence is a place where there is a little margin for error. If a defender makes a mistake, it almost always costs the team.

Life for a striker or midfielder, in some ways, is easier. After all, they are not completely responsible for the backline. As a result, a defender needs to be highly concentrated when playing the game. While some players do it frequently, there are some others who give the pretension of doing it regularly.

And here are 5 such players.

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#5 Marcelo

Last season, Marcelo was the best full-back in the world, hands down. The Brazilian not only played a crucial role in the team’s attack, but was also much better than usual defensively. Nobody ever really doubted the left-back’s ability to attack, but his defensive game was always under scrutiny.

However, last season, he was actually very good when it came to defending as he always tracked back and ensured that he didn’t leave his marker free, in most cases, but the situation has changed drastically this time around.

It wouldn’t have been much of a disaster had his attacking play stayed the same. However, the lack of form has gone to such an extent that even his attacking play has taken a hit. Indeed, in 30 league games last season, he assisted 10 times — 3 games-per-assist.

And this season? 3 assists in 18 games — which is 6 games-per-assist. But for many, he is still the best full-back in the world.

#4 Gerard Pique

Is he really as good as people say?

While Barcelona may not agree with his inclusion in this article, given his good form this season, the truth is that after winning every trophy with club and country - barring the Confederations Cup - Gerard Pique has become an enigma that people assume to be of the supreme order.

There is little doubt that he was one of the best players under Pep Guardiola, but the Pique we know now is not the player that played alongside Carles Puyol. Beside Puyol, the Catalan was one of the best center-backs in the world.

It was mainly because the former Barcelona captain covered for him when he made those adventurous forays, however, when Barca lost their legendary captain, Pique’s shortcomings became apparent.

While Samuel Umtiti’s arrival may have helped Pique, a defender that is actually overly-reliable on his partner-in-crime and can't function the same way without a good one can’t be labeled as extraordinary.

But the thing is, Pique is.

#3 Mats Hummels

An eccentric figure.

At one point of time, Mats Hummels was perhaps the best defender in the world. The Bayern Munich center-half became the wall of the Borussia Dortmund team that won the double in 2012. Indeed, his sturdy displays for the Ruhr outfit made him the most revered defensive figure in the world.

However, since 2013-14, he hasn’t been the same player that he was at his peak.

As a ball-player, he is still very much one of the finest, but in terms of pure defending, he has way too many lapses in concentration. One of the things that make him so highly regarded are those one-off games where he becomes virtually unbeatable.

A YouTube search of his videos will also reveal his ability to make last-ditch tackles and goal-line clearances, something that makes him an instant hero.

#2 Thiago Silva

The mentally fragile man.

For a long time in the football fraternity, he was regarded as the best defender in the world and at that time, it was hardly arguable. Despite not being one of the tallest, he was a beast aerially for AC Milan and it was not just aerial abilities.

Thiago Silva’s intelligence and awareness of his surroundings was unmatched. It is for this reason that Paris-Saint Germain went all-out to sign him, however, that was the beginning of an epiphany.

While he still might be a consistent defender, he is not really a big game player as he is mentally fragile. Indeed, even the player himself admitted to it.

“The president [of PSG] gave me a lot of advice because he said: ‘You're the best defender in the world but you need to work more.’ I said: ‘President, I'm always working. But in my head, there's a problem - I don't know what's happening.’"

When PSG needed a leader in defence to save a 4-0 lead against Barcelona, Thiago Silva witnessed his team fall apart by conceding 6 goals in the night. And yet, to some, the name Thiago Silva induces a sort of thrill.

#1 Sergio Ramos

Gloried more for scoring goals than saving them.

Without a shadow of a doubt, the most overrated defender in the whole world is none other than the Real Madrid captain. How he is still the starting choice of the Blancos now is something that is baffling, to say the least.

Perhaps, it is the captain’s armband that makes it an obligation to keep in the playing XI. The reason people rate him highly is due to his knack of scoring important goals and his undying spirit, however, when one looks carefully at him alone, they begin to realize his flaws.

For one, he has the irritating tendency of rushing out of his line to force the ball off an opponent. This not only leaves a gap in the backline, but also puts his comrades under pressure. Secondly, his fondness for recklessness always makes him a liability because he is just a red card waiting to happen.

Thirdly, he has the looks and the charm that enchants people. Everything about his exterior is filled with radiance, but on the field, he could do so much better.