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Strikers get all the attention in football these days, but defenders form the pillar to the success of a club. The English Premier League’s most successful manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, once claimed: "attack wins you games, defense wins you titles.”
Though the paradigm has changed a bit, defenders still hold the key to success. Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk deal, Manchester City’s deal for Aymeric Laporte, Kyle Walker, and Benjamin Mendy, Manchester United’s deal for Victor Lindelof, AC Milan’s deal for Bonucci, and Spurs deal for Davinson Sanchez are examples of that.
Though players like Samuel Umtiti, Diego Godin, Jan Vertonghen, Cesar Azpilicueta, Sergio Ramos, and Giorgio Chiellini didn't make it on our list, they deserve a honorable mention here.
On that note, let’s have a look at the 5 best center-backs in Europe this season.
#5 Milan Skriniar (Inter Milan)
Inter bought Milan Skriniar from Sampdoria in a €20 million deal last summer and it turned out to be one of the signings of the season. Milan Skriniar is arguably one of the best centre-backs in Serie A this campaign and is turning the heads of many top European sides.
At 1.87 metres tall, he is a ball playing central defender with excellent passing abilities. He contributes a lot to build-up play from the back and is comfortable with the ball at his feet. Praised for his positional awareness and defending in one-on-one situations, Skriniar is also excellent in the air.
He is very accurate with his passing and completes an average of 60 passes per game with a stunning accuracy of 91.7 percent. Also, he averages 2.4 tackles, 1 interception, and 4.7 clearances per game. Though he is little slow, he compensates for it with good concentration.
He is under the radar of many top European clubs including Manchester United, Barcelona, Manchester City, and Real Madrid. They are rumored to be interested in his signature. At 23 years of age, he is sure to only get better.
#4 Kalidou Koulibaly (Napoli)
Kalidou Koulibaly is one of the primary reasons behind Napoli’s hugely successful 2017-18 Serie A season. The 26-year-old is a commanding presence in the heart of Napoli’s defense.
The Senegalese centre-back is one of the best defenders in the world at the moment. He is physically strong and possesses good pace. He is an aggressive defender and never hesitates to go into tackles.
Coupled with his passing abilities, he is a complete defender that any team would wish to have in their ranks.
He averages almost 90 passes per game with an accuracy of 91.5 percent. Also, he averages 1.7 tackles and 1.1 interceptions per game. Top European sides like Arsenal, Barcelona, and Chelsea are rumored to be interested in the 26-year-old.
#3 Mats Hummels (Bayern Munich)
Mats Hummels needs no introduction. The German international has been one of the best center-backs in the world for quite some time and has been brilliant for Bayern Munich in the last few seasons. He won the FIFA World Cup with Germany in 2014.
This season has been no different for the 29-year-old. He has been brilliant once again for Bayern, leading them to the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League and 17 points lead over FC Schalke in the Bundesliga.
Known for his aggressive tackling and ability to read the game, Hummels is another one of those technically gifted ball-playing centre-backs. Hummels averages 2.2 interceptions and 1.8 tackles per game. He is an exceptional defender and a great leader.
#2 Nicolas Otamendi (Manchester City)
Pep Guardiola transformed a talented and inconsistent centre-back into one of the best in the world. Nicolas Otamendi struggled in his debut season at the Etihad, but ever since Pep Guardiola took charge, he brought the best out of the Argentine international.
He is currently an irreplaceable player in the Manchester City squad and a key element to their successful 2017-18. One stat that will take the breath out of you is his passing. He averages 94.4 passes per game with an accuracy of 92.3 percent.
He is phenomenal in the air and averages 1.8 tackles per game. His pace allows him to close down the potential threats quickly and he rarely mistimes his tackles. He is a hugely improved player this season.and naturally suited to Pep Guardiola's high pressing style of football.
#1 Gerard Pique (Barcelona)
The Barcelona man is arguably the best centre-back in world football at the moment. He struggled after the retirement of his Barcelona and Spain teammate, Carlos Puyol, but has regained his best form.
He is a technically gifted defender, known for his ball playing abilities and physical attributes. He is a strong defender, exceptionally good in the air. With only 13 goals conceded in La Liga, Barcelona has the best defensive record for all teams in Europe's top 5 leagues, thanks to the commanding presence of Gerard Pique at the back.
Pique is an intelligent defender, who has matured with age. He is comfortable on the ball and often plays the role of a sweeping centre-back. Without any doubt, he is definitely one of the best centre-backs of all time.
