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Right-back: Cesar Azpilicueta (Spain)
Chelsea's talismanic captain is also an influential defender for Spain. His wealth of experience and wide-ranging talent is crucial in big games. He could be invaluable for them in the Nations League final against France on Sunday.
Consistency is Cesar Azpilicueta's biggest attribute, having delivered for club and country for many years now. He is right-back, but has also excelled in the centre-back role in a back three. The Spaniard, who has 33 international caps, passes the ball around well and covers his markers brilliantly.
Centre-back: Jules Kounde (France)
Jules Kounde has been the name on everyone's lips since he burst onto the scene with Sevilla in 2019. His performances helped the Andalusians finish inside the top four in both La Liga campaigns since then. That helped him earn his first call-up for France earlier this year.
A strong tackler with excellent passing range and vision, the 22-year-old is widely hailed as France's next big thing. Chelsea are looking to sign him next year, so it won't be surprising if a few other clubs join the race for his signature by then.
Centre-back: Aymeric Laporte (Spain)
His place at Manchester City had come under threat after John Stones' renaissance last season after he was injured. But Aymeric Laporte has come onto his own this season, while also remaining a key figure in the La Roja squad.
Laporte certainly reestablished that perception with a resolute performance in defence against Italy in the semi-final. He also completed 96% of his passes, and looked to get his side forward with six accurate long balls as well.
Left-back: Theo Hernandez (France)
Theo Hernandez's rise to stardom at AC Milan has been meteoric, and he's now replicating that form on the international stage too. The full-back even opened his account for Les Blues against Belgium with a sublime winner in stoppage time that completed France's comeback.
An exceptionally creative player with an eye for goal, Hernandez can be a menace if given the time and space to run down the left flank. His speed on the ball makes him dangerous on the break, and he makes excellent crosses into the box too.
