Ranking the five most underrated center-backs of the 21st century

#3 Daniel Van Buyten

Argentina v Belgium: Quarter Final - 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil

Daniel Van Buyten is one of the few Belgian footballers who made a name for himself before their so-called golden generation came to the fore. The 6ft 6in center-back was an imposing figure on the pitch and dominated aerial duels.

He enjoyed a trophy-laden spell with Bayern Munich. He became the first Belgian international to lift the Champions League trophy in the 2012-13 season. While injuries prevented him from starting regularly for the club, he managed to give his all when he was fully fit.

He is one of the highest-scoring defenders of the 21st century, finding the back of the net 39 times across all competitions in club games.

---

#2 Diego Godin

FC Internazionale v Cagliari Calcio - Serie A

Atletico Madrid became a force to be reckoned with under manager Diego Simeone in the last decade. They boasted a talented group of players who worked well together, though many enjoyed their underrated status, including Diego Godin.

Like Juanfran, Godin was also overlooked in the discussions of the best defenders in the Spanish top-flight a few years ago. Though he is well respected and a well-known figure now.

He was a key player in Madrid's title-winning 2013-14 campaign. He scored a header in the final match of the season against Barcelona as the team lifted its first trophy in 18 years.

He joined Atletico Mineiro on a one-year deal in January. Unless he returns to Europe, he will remain one of the best defenders ever to have not won the UEFA Champions League.

---

#1 Kolo Toure

Kolo Toure played for three big clubs in the Premier League

Very few players can claim to have played for Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool, three of the biggest clubs in the English top-flight.

Ivorian center-back Kolo Toure regularly started in Arsenal's unbeaten run in the 2003-04 season and formed a great partnership with Sol Campbell.

Campbell was showered with praise for his performances that season while Toure was regularly overlooked. He left the London club in 2009 to join Manchester City. He won the league title and Community Shield with the Cityzens and after four seasons joined Liverpool.

He was a key player in Ivory Coast's 2015 AFCON winning run and was included in the team of the competition.