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Over the last few years, the game of football has doubtless evolved a great deal. And so has the job of the defenders. Needless to say, the success of a team largely pivots on the quality of the players occupying the space at the back. You might not have to take my word for it as this was beautifully summed up by Sir Alex Ferguson in the following words:
Attack wins you games, defense wins you titles.
However, the profound import of the defenders doesn't necessarily guarantee equal recognition. Often deemed the most prestigious individual prize in world football, the Ballon d'Or hasn't been won by a defender for 12 years. Fabio Cannavaro was the last defender to get his hands on the award when he led Italy to the World Cup glory back in 2006.
Having said that, let us take a look at the top 7 most valuable defenders in world football presently.
Market values for a particular player are calculated by how well they play, age, their marketability, contract length and ability to sell shirts.
Values courtesy – Transfermarkt
Note: Market values represent what their actual price in the transfer market is supposed to be and not the current inflated amounts.
#7 Kalidou Koulibaly - £54 million
Kalidou Koulibaly was imperative to Napoli's success last season as they finished 2nd in Serie A, only 4 points adrift of Juventus. As a result, he remained a hot property throughout the last transfer window having caught the eye of many European top dogs.
The 27-year-old is particularly known for his positional awareness, tactical intellect, passing ability, aerial prowess and versatility. He was also excellent at the World Cup 2018 in spite of Senegal's failure to qualify to the knockout stages.
With age still on his side, Koulibaly is bound to improve in the coming years.
#6 Dani Carvajal - £54 million
Since joining Real Madrid in 2013, Dani Carvajal has been one of the most crucial players for Los Blancos. So far, he has inspired them to 1 La Liga, 4 Champions League and 3 Club World Cup titles. Of course, he has endured a number of injuries during this stint, especially the viral pericardium infection in October 2017, but each time, he has come back stronger.
The Spain international is also out of action at present having sustained a calf injury against CSKA Moscow that saw him go off in the 42nd minute of the match.
Carvajal is not only a menacing presence for the opposition at the right flank due to his superb defending but he can also brilliantly link up with his teammates further forward, sending in crosses and inch-perfect passes to help the attacking unit up front.
#5 Virgil van Dijk - £54 million
Since Mohamed Salah's arrival, Liverpool have grown themselves into one of the most dominant attacking forces across Europe. However, make no mistake about it, they had been absolutely dire at the back prior to van Dijk's transfer that saw him become the most expensive defender in history.
VVD's presence in the rearguard has greatly influenced Liverpool's defence. While the Dutchman's composure with the ball, capability to build up play from the back and strength in the air is well-known, his leadership abilities generally go begging.
The 27-year-old is always able to marshal those around him. As a result, he is even able to make Dejan Lovren look like a relatively competent footballer. The improvement in the Reds' defence has also translated in their performances this season. Jurgen Klopp's side remains unbeaten thus far in the Premier League.
#4 Marcelo - £63 million
Real Madrid have had a torrid 2018/19 season and there's nothing that can be done to deny that. Consequently, their head coach Julen Lopetegui has also been given the sack in the wake of Los Blancos' 5-1 drubbing at the hands of Barcelona on Sunday.
But one person who has played his heart out regardless of the results is their left-back Marcelo. Despite being a defender, the Brazilian is an 'attacking-minded' player who can find crucial breakthroughs for his team and provide assists when they are in desperate need of a goal, a quality that has also placed him in the firing line owing to defensive inefficiency.
The 30-year-old has already notched up 3 goals in 10 appearances for Real Madrid this season. His absence in the upcoming matches will definitely be felt.
#3 Jordi Alba - £63 million
Jordi Alba has blossomed himself into one of the best left-backs in the world, if not the best, during his spell at Barcelona. The Spaniard has developed a healthy relationship with the Argentine megastar - Lionel Messi, which has helped Barcelona find success in the past few years.
Alba is mostly known for his lightning speed that allows him to burst forward with menace against oppositions, kick-starting forays as a result. His brilliant performance versus Real Madrid is a testament to this feature.
Throughout the all-important match, the former Valencia ace kept tormenting Real Madrid's back-line with his baleful runs, catching the defenders off guard on a number of occasions. He also assisted Barca's opening goal in the 11th minute. Undoubtedly, Alba has improved in leaps and bounds under the tutelage of Ernesto Valverde and owes a lot to the Spanish manager.
#2 Samuel Umtiti - £63 million
Since his move to Barcelona, Umtiti has made a name for himself as one of the finest centre-backs in the football world.
His market value has gained a marked increase following France's World Cup glory at Russia where he played an influential role. The Frenchman even scored a goal against Belgium in the semi-final of the tournament which proved to be the difference at the end of the match.
Umtiti has an immaculate sense of timing his tackles to a T and his game comprehension and technique has been further enhanced under the part-father-figure of Ernesto Valverde.
He has been out of action for about a month this season due to his knee problems but is finally beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel and is expected to be available for selection after the next international break in November.
#1 Raphaël Varane - £72 million
Raphaël Varane is an absolute Rolls-Royce of a defender. Presently the most valuable defender, his market value has experienced a significant increase following his exploits in the World Cup 2018 that inspired the France national team to their second title. In tandem with Samuel Umtiti, Varane was a brick wall in the team's defence.
With Varane only 25 years old and at the peak of his powers, Real Madrid might find it hard to hold on to their star player in the years to come. The Frenchman has already won 16 titles at such a tender age.
At Real Madrid, he is the perfect foil for Sergio Ramos and his absence is intensely felt whenever unavailable. The former Lens star has got a beady eye for interceptions and tackles. He even boasts the ability to outpace some of the fastest footballers in the town, including Aubameyang.
