'%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 Alexsandar Kolarov
Serbian left-back Alexandar Kolarov has become a cult figure for his deadpan humor and tough guy reputation. Yet his time at Lazio, Roma, Inter Milan and perhaps most famously, Manchester City, he asserted his reputation as one of the most powerful modern day fullbacks. Over his seven years at City, he won two league titles, two League Cups and an FA Cup from 247 appearances.
Blessed with a scorching hot left foot, Kolarov was, and still is, a noted attacking threat and an all-too-capable defender as well. His crosses and freekicks have been devastatingly productive, with over 54 goals and 64 assists across 534 professional appearances.
#2 Roberto Ayala
While Argentina is praised for its attacking talent, Roberto Ayala was one of the finest centre-backs to grace La Liga in the early aughts. Winning the Spanish League twice with Valencia, he helped them upset perennial favorites Real Madrid and Barcelona, and in 2001, make the 2001 Champions League final. Ayala was a key part of a generational Valencia squad.
He was the foundation of a rock solid defense, making close to 200 appearances for the club as an accomplished aerially-dominant and speedy centre-back. His leadership qualities and stature were such that on the international level, he won a stunning 115 caps, including bagging the 2004 Olympic gold.
#1 Cesar Azpilicueta
Cesar Azpilicueta was bought by Chelsea amid limited fanfare for just £7m. In a summer which saw the arrival of Eden Hazard, the little-known Spaniard turned out to be one of Chelsea's greatest-ever buys.
He initially struggling to break into the full-back slots occupied by Branislav Ivanovic and Ashley Cole. However, by the end of Mourinho’s first season back in charge at Chelsea, Azpilicueta was named the Players’ Player of the Year at Chelsea.
The current Chelsea captain has, over his nine-year spell, been the personification of intelligence, integrity and industrial play. His constant reinvention at both fullback slots, wingback and even on the right side of a back three has meant he has been an indispensable servant to the club.
