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Having depth in defence is one of the key factors to achieving success in football. That's why the number of defenders earning big transfers has increased in recent years. The likes of Virgil van Dijk, Harry Maguire and Lucas Hernandez are some notable examples in this regard.
There's a popular saying in football that attack wins games, but defence wins titles. That has been proven on several occasions. Many clubs have realised that. and stacked up their rosters with world-class defenders across the backline and on the bench.
On that note, here's a look at the five clubs who stand out the most in terms of defensive depth in the game at the moment:
#5 Manchester City
Having invested a lot of money in strengthening their defence over the years, it comes as no surprise to find Manchester City on this list. The Cityzens have incredible depth at the back, and no critical thinking is required to realise that.
John Stones, Ruben Dias and Aymeric Laporte represent three world-class options at the heart of their defence. The trio has been a source of selection headaches for Pep Guardiola since last season, thanks to their convincing performances. With Nathan Ake also in their ranks, City have a top-quality backup option.
Manchester City's defence also boasts incredible full-backs. Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo are two men to count on on the right wing of defence, while Oleksandr Zinchenko continues to impress on the left. Thanks to his versatility, Cancelo has also featured at left-back on few occasions this season.
#4 Chelsea
It goes without mentioning that Chelsea have been the best defensive team in the Premier League this season. The Blues have conceded the fewest goals in the English top flight thus far, letting in only three in ten games.
Thomas Tuchel has five incredible centre-backs at his disposal at Stamford Bridge right now. They are Antonio Rudiger, Thiago Silva, Andreas Christensen, Trevoh Chalobah and Malang Sarr. Meanwhile, Ben Chilwell and Marcos Alonso have fired on all cylinders on the left wing, with Reece James and Cesar Azpilicueta doing the same on the other flank.
Thanks to their efforts, Chelsea currently top the Premier League table with 25 points from ten games. They've also earned a decent start to their Champions League campaign, winning two of their three matches so far.
#3 Liverpool
Liverpool are arguably the most exciting team in the Premier League this season. While their attack has understandably grabbed most of the plaudits, there's no doubt their defence has been instrumental to their impressive exploits in recent weeks.
In Trent Alexandre-Arnold and Andrew Robertson, the Reds have arguably the best two full-backs in the game manning the right and left flanks, respectively. They also have Neco Williams and Konstantinos Tsimikas, two decent full-back options.
At the heart of their defence, Liverpool have four world-class options - Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konate. They also have Nathaniel Phillips as a backup option. Meanwhile, James Milner and Fabinho, who, despite being midfielders, can occupy multiple positions across defence.
#2 Bayern Munich
Arguably the most rampant attacking team on the planet right now, Bayern Munich aren't all about scoring goals. The Bundesliga giants also do a decent job when it comes to containing opposition attackers, thanks to their plethora of world-class defenders.
The Bavarians' defence comprises four incredible centre-backs - Dayot Upamecano, Lucas Hernandez, Niklas Sule and Tanguy Nianzou. Alphonso Davies and Benjamin Pavard represent two world-class options on the left and right flanks, respectively.
Bayern also have Omar Richards as a backup option at left-back, as well as Josip Stanisic and Bourna Sarr playing the same role on the right.
There's a lot of versatility in Bayern's defence. Lucas Hernandez can play on the left, while Benjamin Pavard can pick up a centre-back role. Joshua Kimmich, originally a midfielder, can also operate on the right side and centre of the backline.
#1 Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) added two world-class options to their defence this summer. Sergio Ramos and Achraf Hakimi both switched to the Parc des Princes. The duo has joined other top defenders in the French capital this season, creating incredible depth at the back.
PSG now have Marquinhos, Presnel Kimpembe, Thilo Kehrer, Sergio Ramos and El Chadaille Bitshiabu at the heart of their defence.
At left-back, the Parisians have the likes of Nuno Mendes, Abdou Diallo, Juan Bernat, Layvin Kurzawa and Teddy Alloh. They also have Achraf Hakimi, Collin Dagba and Leandro Paredes in the right-back spot.
