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In football, there is no shortage of players brimming with talent. However, some individuals stand out among their peers and leave a strong impression. This is why the biggest clubs from the world of football fight tooth and nail to acquire the services of these truly superb individuals. While it's not as easy to understand the correct fee at all times, knowing the market valuation of footballers helps.
Several metrics measure only the performance attributes of footballers, however, market values measure the player's valuation. This includes performance attributes and factors like match appearances, length of remaining contract, and most importantly, age of the footballers. Knowing the correct market value of any footballer is essential, but it becomes critical for the truly world-class ones.
However, the same factors that determine the market value of footballers and lead to their high valuation also depreciate over time. Age is an unavoidable factor as it increases, and performances often take a hit. However, other factors like the remaining time of contract and sporadic appearances can also result in low market valuations of even world-class footballers.
Let's take a look at some of these players:
#5 Leonardo Bonucci - £7.20 Million
Leonardo Bonucci has aged like fine wine and at 34 years of age, Bonucci has secured a place in the 2021 IFFHS Men's World XI. He showed no signs of any stopping at Euro 2020. His pairing with Giorgio Chiellini was one of the primary reasons for Italy's successful campaign. Bonucci has been simultaneously stellar for his club side over the years.
Bonucci has represented a few Italian clubs, but his best service has been for Juventus. Bonucci is a current Juventus player as well, and he is well known for his ability to marshall the defense. He is a typical no-nonsense centre-back who is a hard tackler and an expert at breaking up opponent build-ups.
Bonucci may have aged, but the Italian, who won Serie A for Inter and Juventus, is still playing at his peak, despite his dwindling market valuation.
#4 Sergio Ramos - £9 Million
Over the years, some of the biggest names have donned the white jersey of Real Madrid. Many have led the club to great glories, but few could reach the stature of Spanish centre-back Sergio Ramos.
Having joined from Sevilla at a very young age, Ramos quickly showed his ability and became a regular for Real Madrid. In his early days, Ramos preferred playing on the right, but he became one of the top defenders in the world playing as a centre-back.
Sergio Ramos is not only well appreciated for his tackling prowess, but he is equally helpful in the build-up as well. Over the years, Ramos has won numerous honors for club and country.
He won the Euros and the FIFA World Cup for Spain. He has also won multiple La Liga and Champions League titles with Real Madrid. Since his switch to French club PSG in the summer, Ramos has been plagued by injuries. This is the main reason for his fewer appearances and reduced market valuation.
#3 Luka Modric - £9 Million
Luka Modric has been one of the most consistent players for Real Madrid in the present millennium. He first shone in the Croatian league and then for Tottenham Hotspur, where his midfield prowess was there for everyone to witness.
Real Madrid were the quickest to get their man in 2012, and the Croatian is all set to complete a decade for 'Los Blancos.'
The 36-year-old has more than six months left on his existing contract, which is a significant factor in his low market valuation. However, he has been a regular in the Real Madrid side this season and has already racked up more than 1300 minutes of game time.
It is to be seen what Modric decides for his future, but he has his quality intact. He has won several trophies with the Madrid-based club in the past, along with major individual honors like the 2018 Ballon D'Or.
#2 Giorgio Chiellini - £1.35 Million
Earlier in the year, Italy had an incredible Euro campaign where they went all the way. One of the biggest reasons for success was the solid defensive pairing that kept things water-tight at the back. The veteran Giorgio Chiellini gave a lesson or two about the fact that age is nothing but a number. At 37 years of age, Chiellini exhibits no signs of slowing down.
Although Chiellini has become injury-prone with his increasing age, his defensive acumen remains top-notch. He has already played over 750 minutes for Juventus this season.
Despite having a contract until June 30, 2023, Chiellini's market value has declined. But Chiellini remains a highly reliable defender, as he has been over the years. He has been a hero of many battles for both club and country as Chiellini has won major tournaments for both in the past.
#1 Thiago Silva - £2.70 Million
Brazil is traditionally known for producing magnificent attacking talents like Pele, Ronaldo Nazario, and Ronaldinho. However, it also produces excellent defensive talents from time to time, and one such example is Thiago Silva.
The Brazilian centre-back is not a typically big-bodied defender, which is the more common type. But he has no lack of strength and power and is equally good in the air. Additionally, Silva is highly vocal and helps to marshal the defense, which is very important for any great defense.
SIlva's low market value has more to do with his age and the little remaining time he has left on his Chelsea contract. But signs are clear that Thiago Silva will be signing a new contract extension very soon. It's no surprise that, even at 37 years of age, Silva is an important figure in Chelsea and Thomas Tuchel's tactics.
In his short stay at Stamford Bridge, he has already added the prestigious Champions League title. It adds to the vast number of trophies Silva won at PSG and the Serie A he won for AC Milan.
