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The WC 2018 this time proves to be more competitive than ever featuring the sport's biggest stars like Ronaldo, Messi, and Neymar along with potential superstars who will look to announce themselves on the world's biggest stage like Salah, Griezmann, and Hazard.
Without a doubt, the pressure on the defenders will be immense as they do their utmost to keep these top attackers at bay. However, there are some top defenders who these strikers wouldn't want to face on any day. The talent of these defenders is sadly ignored as all the limelight is usually grabbed by the goal-scoring attackers.
There is a reason why the saying goes: "Goalscorers win matches but defenders win tournaments." The grit and aggression with the leadership qualities displayed by these goal-savers are absolutely vital. Consistency is key for these beasts as even a single mistake in the 90 minutes can prove to be the difference between winning and losing.
Let's take a look at the 5 best defenders in action at the World Cup 2018 who will be vital for their sides if they are to go far in the tournament:
#5 Mats Hummels (Germany)
The pressure will be on the Germans as they look to defend their World Cup title following a 2014 World Cup victory against Argentina in extra time. The 5-time Bundesliga champion, Mats Hummels, will be pivotal to how far Germany advance in the World Cup this time.
Hummels will undoubtedly be the first name in Joachim Loew's starting XI following a superb season with Bayern Munich where he also featured in the team of the season. Known for his excellent positioning, Hummels averaged a joint-league-high 2.1 interceptions per-game according to Whoscored.com. In 64 appearances for the national side, he has scored 5 goals proving he can score when Germany look at alternatives to find the back of the net.
The positioning master will be responsible for leading the defence as he has the experience of a World Cup winner. He is not the captain of the side but will be crucial for the Germans with his intelligence and leadership qualities if they are to win consecutive World Cup trophies.
#4 Jan Vertonghen (Belgium)
The versatile defender who can play at the centre or the left when required, Jan Vertonghen, is an integral component of Roberto Martinez's defensive ranks as fellow defender and captain Vincent Kompany had an on and off season with Manchester City due to injuries.
The 31-year-old defender also became the first player to reach 100 caps for his country as he is seen to be a constant face at the back for Belgium. Having cut down on silly defensive mistakes and improved his defensive attributes over the years, the veteran will need to prove his pedigree on the international stage with his commandeering displays.
The Spurs mainstay with the likes of club defensive partner Toby Alderweireld and Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, will need to live up to Belgian's expectations and keep the opposition attackers at bay as they boast of a star-studded squad that will hope to reach the final stages of the tournament this time around.
#3 Samuel Umtiti (France)
Having freshly signed a new contract with Barcelona FC, for a reported release clause of 500 million euros after a season that saw the club almost finish unbeaten ultimately losing in their final match, Samuel Umtiti received just the boost that he needed before the start of the much-awaited FIFA World Cup.
Boasting of a team that contains quality players in each and every department, France like many other teams at the World Cup this time will have to rise to their expectations as all eyes will be on them to produce breathtaking moments and lift the ultimate prize.
Known for his physical strength and his ability to get the ball far up the pitch, the 24-year-old is a force in the air on set pieces at both ends of the pitch. His defensive partnership with club rival Raphael Varane will be the key for France if they are to go far in the tournament as they seem to lack experience at the back compared to other favorites who will look to exploit this weakness.
#2 Nicolas Otamendi (Argentina)
After an excellent record-breaking season for EPL side Manchester City where Nicolas Otamendi was a persistent face at the back for the team in every competition, all eyes will be on him to reproduce his form for World Cup favorites Argentina as he looks to lead an otherwise inferior defensive unit.
Having set a new premier league record with the most number of passes completed in a single campaign, Otamendi is known for his ruthless challenges and calming possession to build up the play from the back when needed.
Argentina boast of a number of attacking options to choose from with some of the very best in the business competing for the starting roles. As their star players look to score the goals, Otamendi will have to guide the Argentine defenders to stop the opposition from converting at any cost as they look to go one step ahead following a runners-up finish in the 2014 World Cup edition.
#1 Sergio Ramos (Spain)
The 4-time UEFA Champions League and 4-time La Liga winner with Real Madrid, Sergio Ramos is regarded as the best defender currently in world football without a doubt. Time and again, he has helped the Los Blancos win the distinguished European competition a record-breaking consecutive 3 times running. Be it the last-gasp goals when the team needs it most or the ruthless challenges that could also result in bookings, Ramos is known for it all stressing on why he is the best in the business.
A leader at the back, Ramos holds the key to Spain's aspirations of regaining the summit of world football after some difficult years where they've performed poorly. Ramos will have to face some of the finest attacking talent in world football at the World Cup this time but the Spanish know they can be faithful with their skipper who will give it his everything to ensure Spain are back among the top countries in world football.
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