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The 2021-22 league seasons across Europe are now in full flow. Players from every position are setting the tone and are leading their teams in every way possible.
Defenders are often not given the credit they deserve from a wide pool of fans, with goal-scorers often stealing the entirety of the limelight. But in this article, we will highlight those defenders who have been rock solid for their respective clubs and are among the best based on their current form.
Like we previously did for right-backs, left-backs and goalkeepers, here we will list the five best centre-backs based on WhoScored ratings. The ratings take into consideration the players' performance in the ongoing season, and their current form, which makes it easier for us to list them down:
#5 Nico Schlotterbeck (7.18)
Freiburg defender Nico Schlotterbeck is currently the fifth-best centre-back based on current form and WhoScored ratings. The 21-year-old has started all 13 Bundesliga matches for the club this season, helping them keep four clean sheets in the process.
Schlotterbeck, whose tackling is his strongest facet, has made the most successful tackles among the defenders on this list. He has made an average of 2.2 tackles in every match and 1.7 interceptions. The young defender has made 4.2 clearances per match this season, the second-most on this list.
He has played a crucial role in Freiburg's consistent performances this season. The club are currently fourth in the Bundesliga table with 22 points from 13 matches.
#4 Trevoh Chalobah (7.36)
The Chelsea defender has been a revelation this season. Playing his first full season for the club's senior side, Trevoh Chalobah has made 13 appearances across all competitions for the Blues, and has even scored three goals.
Chalobah doesn't often get dribbled past, with 2.1 of his 2.5 attempted tackles being successful. Interceptions are one of his strongest suits, with him making one every match this season so far on average.
The 22-year-old will only get better, and Chelsea have serious talent on hand who can takeover the defending baton from Thiago Silva when the 37-year-old decides to move on.
Chalobah will be aiming to enjoy more involvement as the season progresses, with Chelsea set to compete fiercely across multiple competitions. He recently put pen-to-paper on a long-term contract that will keep him at Stamford Bridge till 2026.
#3 Thiago Silva (7.40)
The veteran Chelsea defender is currently the third-best centre-back based on current form and WhoScored ratings. Even at 37 years of age, Silva has been a tough nut to crack for the opposition.
The Brazilian has played an important part in Chelsea's continued push for the Premier League title and defense of the Champions League crown.
Not easy to beat, Silva has only been dribbled past 0.3 times per match on average this season. He has blocked the most shots per match on average in this list with 1.1. As far as clearances are concerned, Silva has made 3.1 per match.
He is also a great passer with 4.9 accurate long balls per match, the highest on this list. Silva has also played as many as 71.4 passes per match on average, which is much more than the second best on this list - Chalobah with 59.9 passes.
#2 Bremer (7.42)
Torino's 24-year-old centre-back Bremer is currently the second best centre-back as per WhoScored ratings. The 24-year-old has been a rock at the back for the Serie A side, playing 13 of their 14 league matches so far, scoring twice and assisting one goal.
The Brazilian defender has made 2.2 tackles per game this season, the highest on this list along with Nico Schlotterbeck. He is also a strong interceptor of the ball with 3.9 interceptions made per match on average.
Bremer is also a good blocker of passes, which has been another of his strong points this season. He blocks 0.8 passes per match on average, and 0.5 shots. Moreover, he has made 3.5 clearances per match, second highest on this list.
#1 Konstantinos Mavropanos (7.44)
Stuttgart's Konstantinos Mavropanos, on loan from Arsenal, is currently the best centre-back according to WhoScored ratings. The 23-year-old has made 11 Bundesliga appearances this season, scoring thrice and providing an assist as well.
Mavropanos has made 5.9 clearances per match on average this season, the highest on this list. Ball interception is one of his strongest suits, making 2.5 interceptions every match - second only to Bremer here.
Arsenal will hope that the Greek centre-back continues his fine form and can help them shore up their defense once he returns from his season-long loan. Whether he can show similar levels for the Gunners next season remains to be seen.
