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#3 Ruben Dias and John Stones (Manchester City) - €105 million
Ruben Dias' impact at centre-back for Manchester City was nothing short of incredible. The 24-year-old completely changed the defensive outlook of the Citizens as they marched to the 2020-21 Premier League title. Dias made 50 appearances in all competitions for Manchester City in 2020-21, and was a rock in their Champions League run which saw them reach the final.
The Portuguese also capped off the season by winning the Premier League Player of the Season, which has undoubtedly added to his existing value of €75 million. Often hailed as the perfect centre-back for a Pep Guardiola-coached side, Dias completed 93.5 per cent of his passes. He is also ranked second among all players in the 2020-21 Premier League for progressive carrying distance.
John Stones is someone who rose like a phoenix from the ashes. He was often caught out in possession, and his weak frame restricted him to a substitute in the 2019-20 season. Following the arrival of Ruben Dias in the summer of 2020, Stones was linked with a move away from Manchester City. However, the 27-year-old was a revelation in the 2020-21 campaign, often partnering Dias as the other centre-back.
The Englishman was so good in the 2020-21 Premier League season that he boasted the highest pass accuracy in the league. Stones, who is valued at €30 million, completed 94.3 per cent of his passes, which means this was a dream pairing for a possession-based side. Despite making 22 just appearances in the league, he ranked seventh for progressive carrying distance among all players.
Following a rocky start to the season, Manchester City will be hoping the €105 million duo can start together soon. Stones is yet to make an appearance in the new season due to his involvement with England at the Euros, while Dias has featured in all three games for City. Aymeric Laporte (€45 million) is not included as he is not a regular on the side.
#2 Marquinhos and Presnel Kimpembe (PSG) - €115 million
Marquinhos signed for PSG in 2013. The 27-year-old centre-back's contract runs all the way to 2024. He took over as club captain following the departure of Thiago Silva ahead of the 2020-21 season.
The Brazilian made 40 appearances for PSG last season, slotting into midfield when required too. Marquinhos' consistent performances at the highest level have seen him amass a transfer value of €75 million, which is the joint highest among centre-backs in the world. His 93.1 per cent passing accuracy is excellent, and the centre-back's influence cannot be downplayed as he boasts the highest points per game in Ligue 1 over the 2020-21 season.
Presnel Kimpembe is a centre-back who is a product of PSG's youth academy. The 26-year-old is a strong and fast defender who is very comfortable on the ball. In fact, the €40 million rated player had an astonishing pass accuracy of 96 per cent in Ligue 1 last season. His left foot also permits various other passing angles. To add to this, Kimpembe also made 87 tackles and interceptions in the 2020-21 Ligue 1 season, which made the French international indispensable at the back.
The arrival of Sergio Ramos will provide the €115 million duo with some competition. The legendary Spanish centre-back's persistent injury problems could mean the current centre-back pairing can continue nonetheless.
However, Marquinhos is yet to make an appearance this season due to his involvement with Brazil in the Copa America. Kimpembe, meanwhile, has started all three domestic league games so far for PSG and has even captained the side in his centre-back partner's absence.
Having lost out on the league title to Lille last time out, the centre-back duo will be hoping to regain the crown this time. They will also have their sights set on the Champions League trophy.
#1 Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane (Manchester United) - €120 million
Harry Maguire joined Manchester United in 2019. To this date, the 28-year-old is the most expensive centre-back, as his move from Leicester City cost €87 million. Maguire is currently the club captain of the Red Devils and is a mainstay in defense. In fact, he has already made 108 appearances for Manchester United.
Aerial duels are Maguire's biggest asset, as he won 77.5 per cent of his aerial duels in the Premier League in 2020-21. The €50 million rated centre-back is also an excellent progressor of the ball, as he ranked third among all players in the league for progressive carrying distance. The England international has been paired with both Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly over the past two seasons, but has a new partner for the next campaign.
Raphael Varane has joined Manchester United from Real Madrid ahead of the 2021-22 season. The 28-year-old centre-back is widely regarded as one of the best in the world in his position. Varane perfectly complements Maguire's playing style and will be hoping to emulate the formidable partnership he formed with Sergio Ramos, back when the duo were at Real Madrid.
Due to his contract situation, Manchester United were able to sign the €70 million-rated centre-back on a cut-price deal. The French international boasted an impressive pass accuracy of 91.1 per cent in La Liga in 2020-21, and also won 75.3 per cent of his aerial duels.
Although the €120 million duo have not played together as of yet, they are the clear first-choice favorites. While Maguire has carried his form into the new season, Varane has begun training with the Red Devils and could be in line to make his debut soon. This centre-back partnership has the potential to be the best in the Premier League.
