Ranking the 10 best defenders in 2020

#6 David Alaba (Bayern Munich)

David Alaba has been a key player for Bayern Munich for well over a decade and is undoubtedly one of the finest defenders in the game.

The Austria international, who has won two continental trebles and eight consecutive Bundesliga titles among a plethora of domestic and continental honours, has not let rumours of his impending Bayern Munich exit affect his on-field performances.

Alaba, originally a left-back who seamlessly transitioned to centre-back, has played a key role either side of the COVID-19 enforced break to power Bayern Munich to a continental treble.

Even this season, Alaba has continued to keep off-field distractions at bay, recently becoming the quickest player to rack up 200 Bundesliga wins.

#5 Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)

One half of arguably the game's most lethal full-back partnerships, Trent Alexander-Arnold was one of the key players in Liverpool's surge to their first Premier League title either side of the COVID-19-enforced suspension.

The 22-year-old right-back may have been slow off the blocks this season - producing only two assists in the league - but Alexander-Arnold ended last campaign with the most assists by a defender in Premier League history.

#4 Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich)

Alphonso Davies has been a revelation since breaking into the Bayern Munich first team last season.

The 20-year-old Canadian, who managed to seamlessly replace David Alaba at left-back, has had a fabulous year. Davies' scorching runs down the flanks and his physicality have been a menace for teams in the Bundesliga and Europe as Bayern Munich won the continental treble.

He may only have made six league appearances this season because of an injury, but his exploits this year have already earned him a place in the FIFPro World XI.

About the author

Bhargav is a veteran sports journalist and editor at Sportskeeda, with a rich professional experience of 17 years, working for the likes of Siemens and Bombay Dyeing. An avid football and tennis follower for over three decades, Bhargav uses his vast knowledge and experience, attention to detail, an unbiased yet interesting writing style, and thorough research to craft insightful articles, which have raked in over 20 million reads so far.

Bhargav supports Italy at national level, a team steeped in tradition and history according to him. He still harbors the heartbreak from the Azzurri’s 1994 FIFA World Cup final defeat against Brazil, and protagonist-turned-antagonist from the game, ‘Divine Ponytail’ Roberto Baggio is his all-time favorite player. His favorite manager is Marcelo Lippi, who ended Italy’s 24-year wait for the World Cup trophy, winning it in 2006.

Outside Europe’s top five leagues, he follows the MLS following Lionel Messi’s move in 2023 but favors Cristiano Ronaldo in the G.O.A.T. debate. During his free time, Bhargav enjoys driving off to new places and singing.

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Edited by Ashwin