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Left Back - Nelson Semedo
Nelson Semedo has been one of the most consistent players for Barcelona this season. Making 12 league appearances, the Portuguese international has been instrumental in his side's early title challenge.
At the back, Semedo has arguably been Barcelona's best defender this season. He has averaged two tackles per game, a feat which overshadows that of Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson and Kyle Walker in the Premier League. Semedo has also been effective going forward, completing 1.3 dribbles per game and having a pass accuracy of 90%. To add to that, he has also chipped in with three assists in the league this season
Though Semedo is currently recovering from a muscle injury, his previous performances suggest that he would be an asset for this team if he slots in at the left back position, as he has done numerous times for Barcelona this season.
Centre Back - Clément Lenglet
With Gerard Pique nearing the end of his career, Lenglet has slotted in as a readymade replacement for the Spaniard with some assured performances at the heart of the defence. The France international has featured ten times for Barcelona in the league this season.
With the Barcelona backline facing injury and form issues, Lenglet has been one of the most consistent performers in the squad, winning 75% of his tackles and making 30 clearances. In addition to that, he has also been instrumental in building play from the back, with a pass success rate of 91%.
His importance to Barcelona is further highlighted by the fact that he has contributed one goal and an assist in the league this season.
Centre Back: José Giménez
Giménez has evolved into one of the finest center-backs in the world under the mentorship of former club captain and international teammate Diego Godin. Since the veteran left, Gimenez has had a mixed start to the season as he had to get himself accustomed to taking up the leadership role at the heart of the famed Atletico defence.
Gimenez has not been phenomenal this season, however he still has won 43 duels and won 77% of his 13 tackles in eight appearances for Atletico. To add to that, he has made nine key interceptions and has a commendable pass accuracy of 87% in the league.Though it has not been the brightest of starts from the Uruguayan, he remains one of the most promising center backs in world football and that merits his inclusion in this list.
