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The need to have a strong defensive unit cannot be over-emphasized in football. There's a popular saying that while attack wins you games, defense wins you titles and it has often proven to be true. It is the same reason why even the best attacking teams on the planet right now have built strong defensive units to rely on.
You only need to look at the most successful teams of the last few years and see how they fared at the back to realize how true this statement is. Many clubs have understood this perfectly and that has inspired them to splash massive figures to acquire the top-rated defenders in the transfer market.
As it stands, the battle to own the best defensive units has taken off among clubs, especially in Europe, where it's incredibly high. With that in mind, we've been inspired to take a look at the five best defensive units in world football this season. They are as follows:
#5 Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich have a reputation for being one of the most rampant attacking teams in world football. However, they have impressed with their performances at the back this season. Their defensive unit, made up of players like Dayot Upamecano, Alphonso Davies and Benjamin Pavard, continues to give opposition teams a run for their money.
Alongside Real Madrid, the Bavarians have conceded the least goals in the Champions League so far this season (3). They've also let in 21 goals in the Bundesliga since the campaign kicked off, the least so far this season.
#4 Chelsea
Chelsea are recognized as one of the best clubs in Europe in terms of defensive prowess and they've lived up to their reputation again this season. With the likes of Thiago Silva, Antonio Rudiger, Cesar Azpilicueta and Ben Chilwell running riot, Chelsea continue to impress with their efforts at the back.
So far this season, Thomas Tuchel's men have conceded 18 goals in 24 Premier League games, the third-best record in the English top flight at the moment. The Londoners have let in four goals in six Champions League games.
Only Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have a better record in the tournament this term. Meanwhile, it is worth noting that French giants LOSC Lille have also conceded just four goals in the competition so far.
#3 Real Madrid
As noted earlier, the Spanish giants have conceded only three goals in the Champions League so far this season. That means they currently have the best defense in the European tournament, alongside Bayern Munich.
Los Blancos also have the third-best defensive record in La Liga this term, having allowed 20 strikes into their net in 22 games. How Real Madrid have managed to keep their defensive unit firing is indeed impressive.
The Liga giants lost their favored centre-back pairing, Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane, who left the club last summer. The Spaniard joined Paris Saint-Germain while Varane moved to Manchester United.
In their absence, David Alaba and Eder Militao have stepped up at the heart of the defense, with Ferland Mendy and Nacho complementing them.
#2 Manchester City
Cityzens have a very solid defense featuring Ruben Dias and Aymeric Laporte at centre-back, with Joao Cancelo on the left and Kyle Walker on the right. These players have kept things tight at the back since the campaign kicked off and are showing no signs of slowing down.
It is indeed incredible that Manchester City have the best defensive record in the Premier League so far this season, conceding just 14 goals in 23 games. It is even more impressive when you remember that Pep Guardiola's men are a pro-attacking team with a free-flowing system.
Meanwhile, Cityzens have let in 10 goals in six Champions League games this term, having faced Paris Saint-Germain, RB Leipzig and Club Brugge.
#1 Liverpool
Liverpool have a strong centre-back pairing of Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip. Moreover, with Trent Alexander-Arnold on the right and Andy Robertson on the left, it is easy to see why the Reds continue to impress at the back. In fact, it wouldn't be far-fetched to say the Reds have the finest defense in the world right now.
So far, Jurgen Klopp's men have conceded 19 goals in 22 Premier League games. That is just one goal above their closest rivals Chelsea, who have played two more games.
The Reds also have one of the best defensive units in the Champions League this season. Despite facing tough opposition such as Atletico Madrid, AC Milan and Porto in the group stage, they conceded just six goals in as many games.
Honorary Mention: Wolverhampton Wanderers - The Wanderers have the second-best defensive record in the Premier League so far this season, conceding just 16 goals in 21 games.
