5 most underrated centre backs in football right now (2021)

#3 Niklas Sule (Bayern Munich)

FC Bayern München v Hertha BSC - Bundesliga

Niklas Sule is Bayern Munich's backup option at centre-back. But there's no doubt that he will be able to walk into the starting lineups of several European giants. Former manager Hansi Flick didn't seem to be much of a fan, using him as a secondary option and deploying him at right-back on occasion.

Sule has had some injury problems with an ACL rupture marring his early days with the Bavarians. Although he stands at 6 ft 4, there's much more to Sule's game than sheer physicality. He had the best pass completion rate of all Bayern defenders in the 2020-21 season at 90.7%.

He possesses an excellent reading of the game and maintains his composure even in tight situations. Sule is not one to smash the ball away to clear the danger. Instead, he is always looking to find a teammate and is a technically refined footballer.

#2 Joel Matip (Liverpool)

Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool - Premier League

While Virgil van Dijk is Liverpool's main man in defence, Joel Matip's contributions at the back cannot be overlooked. In the 2020-21 season, Liverpool were hit hard by the injuries to all three of their main centre-backs.

But now that they've returned, Jurgen Klopp's men seem to be getting back to their best. Even better, Matip seems to have a bigger role to play for the side. He is seen carrying the ball as far as the final third and conducting play on occasion. Matip is able to do this thanks to his technical brilliance.

The Liverpool centre-back has helped his side keep three cleansheets in four Premier League matches so far this season. This might finally be the season where the 30-year-old is truly recognized for his talents.

#1 Antonio Rudiger (Chelsea)

Liverpool v Chelsea - Premier League

Antonio Rudiger had become a peripheral figure during Frank Lampard's tenure as Chelsea manager. The German international was heavily linked with an exit in the 2021 January transfer window. However, Thomas Tuchel's entry has turned his fortunes around and Rudiger has become an undroppable member of the starting lineup.

Rudiger was a vital cog in the Chelsea side that won the Champions League last term. A bullish defender who is also excellent with the ball at his feet, Rudiger hounds opposition attackers relentlessly. He loves a tackle and is constantly seen marshalling his troops and making sure his teammates stay focused.

His mentality and overall technical ability has gone a long way towards making Chelsea the strongest defensive unit in the Premier League.