'%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)
#3 Sergio Ramos
Sergio Ramos is yet to make his debut for Paris Saint Germain since joining them in the summer, but one can't be doubting his quality. The veteran defender has won 25 titles in his career with club and country and is an absolute bully for strikers.
It has been a tough year for Ramos, who hasn't been fully fit since March. He played his last game in La Liga in March and his last game in the Real Madrid shirt was the semi-final second leg in the Champions League against Chelsea. It was an emotional moment for the Spanish defender when he had to leave Los Blancos.
However, his union with Lionel Messi at PSG has excited football fans across the globe. Ramos has been involved in first-team training with the French giants and even made the bench in their 2-1 loss to Manchester City. Fans can't wait to see the former Real Madrid man make his debut in France.
#2 Giorgio Chiellini
Considered the final remnant of Italy's dying breed of traditional defenders, Giorgio Chiellini has been a solid rock for his club and country. The 37-year old remains lively and enjoys his game like always, but that doesn't stop him from bringing his aggression onto the field.
His workload needs to be managed with great care and Juventus know losing their veteran for longer periods would only make this season more difficult for them. He was at his absolute best at Euro 2020 when his partnership with Bonucci made it difficult for the opposition to penetrate their defense.
Chiellini is revered not just because he's a colossal defender, but also because of his passion, intensity, kindness and the emphasis to enjoy the game. The Italian showed he has ice running through his veins prior to the penalty shootout against Spain in the Euro 2020 semi-final.
Just before the toss, he embraced a nervous Jordi Alba with cheerful laughter and warmth. His elite mentality, the desire to go shoulder to shoulder and outmuscle opponents and his love for the game make him one of the best.
#1 Thiago Silva
He's playing in the most competitive league in Europe, he's a regular for the Champions League title holders, and he's almost made them impenetrable. Thiago Silva is undoubtedly among the best defenders in world football right now. He's 37 and that certainly makes him the best in this bracket.
Since joining from PSG on a free, he has really strengthened the Chelsea backline and as a reward he has got his hands on the Champions League medal. The Brazilian has played the full 90 minutes on 11 occasions in his 14 appearances this season.
With Silva's presence, the Chelsea back-three has looked well planted, disciplined and well marshaled under his leadership. His willingness to attack the ball on the set-piece is as great as his leap. He has made 18 blocks and 23 interceptions in the Premier League this season.
