'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
With the likes of Neymar and Lionel Messi performing magic at Copa America 2021, it is understandable that all attention is focused on the attackers.
Luis Suarez, Edinson Cavani, Neymar and Messi are some of the big names who are taking part at Copa America 2021 and have all performed well. Stopping such forwards is not easy, but a few defenders have impressed with their displays at the tournament.
The usual suspects have once again been in fine form, while a few players have made their names at Copa America 2021. It will not be surprising to see big clubs keeping an eye on such players.
On that note, let's take a look at the five best defenders at Copa America 2021 so far.
#5 Gary Medel (Chile)
Many Chile players in the Copa America 2021 squad are veterans of the game, with Claudio Bravo, Mauricio Isla, Arturo Vidal, Gary Medel and Alexis Sanchez all having more than 100 caps for their country.
Medel has had an interesting career. Premier League fans might remember him for his season-long stint with Cardiff City, but Medel has been a useful player at clubs like Sevilla, Inter Milan and Besiktas. Capable of operating as a centre-back and in midfield, the 33-year old currently plays for Bologna.
At Copa America 2021, Medel has predominantly been utilised as a centre-back, and the former Boca Juniors man has been a consistent presence for Chile once again. Chile have won just one of four games at Copa America 2021, but Medel has played his role well.
Also Read: Fabrizio Romano's Transfer Roundup: Lionel Messi makes decision on Barcelona future; Manchester United make €85 million bid for Sancho and more.
#4 Diego Godin (Uruguay)
Like Gary Medel, Diego Godin is a veteran of the game, well renowned for his stint with Atletico Madrid.
During his prime, Godin was regarded as one of the best centre-backs in the game, and it is clear he still has a lot left in the tank. The 35-year old, who made nearly 400 appearances in all competitions for Atletico Madrid, is currently a Cagliari player.
Godin has partnered Jose Gimenez at centre-back at Copa America 2021 for Uruguay.
Godin has 145 caps for his country, and his experience has been key for both club and country over the years. Uruguay won two of four Copa America 2021 games in the group stage to book a quarter-final clash against Colombia on Saturday in Brasilia.
Also Read: Euro 2020: 5 young players who could become household names after the tournament.
#3 Eder Militao (Brazil)
Eder Militao, a crucial cog at Real Madrid during the latter half of the 2020-21 season, has carried that form to Copa America 2021.
Militao has made three appearances at the tournament so far, with Brazil keeping clean sheets in two of those games. In the 1-1 draw against Ecuador, it was Militao who scored Brazil's goal, so it is clear why Brazil manager Tite rates him highly.
With Sergio Ramos having left Real Madrid and Raphael Varane linked with a move away, Militao could become one of the starting centre-backs for his club next season. Based on his Copa America 2021 form, it would not be a bad decision.
#2 Cristian Romero (Argentina)
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni seems to be a firm believer in rotation and has named a different first XI in each of Argentina's four games at Copa America 2021.
Cristian Romero is competing with the likes of Nicolas Otamendi, German Pezzella, Lisandro Martinez and Lucas Martinez Quarta for the centre-back spot. Suffice to say, Romero, who plays for Atalanta, has not disappointed. He has made two appearances at Copa America 2021 so far, with Argentina keeping clean sheets in both games.
Romero enjoyed a good season with Atalanta in Serie A, and his form has seen him linked with Manchester United. The 23-year old is extremely talented, and a few more strong performances at Copa America 2021 will only increase his value.
#1 Marquinhos (Brazil)
One of the best centre-backs in the game, Marquinhos is once again showing his class and quality at Copa America 2021.
The 27-year-old has blossomed into quite a player at Paris Saint-Germain. Having joined the club in 2013 from Roma, Marquinhos has made 323 appearances in all competitions for the Parisian giants and has impressed as a defensive midfielder as well.
Marquinhos has made three appearances at Copa America 2021 so far and scored in the 3-0 win over Venezuela as well. His leadership ability has also been appreciated.
Also Read: Copa America 2021: 5 best forwards in the tournament so far
