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Football these days is mostly about scoring goals. The managers, the players, and even the fans are so much engrossed in the attacking side of the game that they often forget the defensive aspect of it.
Defending is an art and mastering such art requires discipline and a strong will. When you are assigned the task of preventing the opposition from scoring for 90 minutes, it deems immense concentration and a slight lapse can take the game away from you. The defenders don't often get the credit they deserve. Till now, there have been only three defenders who have won the FIFA Ballon d'Or - Franz Beckenbauer, Matthias Sammer, and Fabio Cannavaro.
If a team plays defensive football, it is considered dull in today's generation. Only fast, attacking style of play is the call of the hour. But you cannot undermine the fact that goals win you matches, but defense wins you tournaments. A lot of teams who have been successful all through these years had great defenders in their ranks.
In respect to those defenders, here is a list of top ten best defenders in the world right now.
#10 GIORGIO CHIELLINI (JUVENTUS)
Even at the age of 34, Giorgio Chiellini looks fit as ever. He has been pivotal for both Juventus and Italy all throughout his career. Active in the tackle and commanding aerially, he is a shrewd reader of the game and an excellent passer from deep.
The highlight of his career came in the Juve's Champions League second leg tie against Tottenham at Wembley in 2018 when he showed a masterclass in defense in the second half, repeatedly thwarting Spurs’ attackers as the Old Lady came from behind to win 2-1.
#9 TOBY ALDERWEIRELD (TOTTENHAM)
If there is one defender who was hot in the 2018 summer transfer window, then it is the Belgium defender, Toby Alderweireld. He is a significant contributor to Tottenham's success under Mauricio Pochettino. Toby had an excellent World Cup in Russia with his country finishing third in the tournament.
Alderweireld is barely caught out of position and also quite comfortable playing in a back three or back four. He’s an excellent passer too and is particularly skilled at playing long diagonals out to the flanks.
#8 MATS HUMMELS (BAYERN MUNICH)
Mats Hummels had a disappointing 2018 World Cup in Russia, but he remains one of the best defenders in the world. He first came into the scene with some stellar performances for his former club Borussia Dortmund which saw him move to Bayern Munich a few seasons back. He was excellent in Germany's World Cup-winning campaign in 2014.
Blessed with both technique and composure, Hummels is one of the world’s best ball-playing defenders. He regularly starts attacks from the backline and also adept at other aspects of defending like winning headers and making interceptions. A useful defender to have in your locker.
#7 JAN VERTONGHEN (TOTTENHAM)
Jan is into his seventh season in the Premier League with Spurs, and he has developed himself into one of the world’s leading center-backs – and arguably the best in the Premier League – over the last couple of years.
He is aggressive and an expert at snatching the ball away from opposition strikers. Physically strong in one-on-one duels and comfortable and also brilliant at playing a pass between lines to assist Spurs’ forwards in dangerous areas.
#6 SAMUEL UMTITI (BARCELONA)
Umtiti was an unknown figure before summer 2016, but it didn’t take long for the French defender to become a popular name in football. On his International debut against Iceland in the European Championship, he produced a flawless display of defending which saw him move to Barcelona from Lyon in that year.
He is not the tallest in the field, but he makes up for his lack of height with is mobility and awareness about the looming danger. Umtiti is also a good passer and a ball-carrier from the backline. He was instrumental in France's triumph at the World Cup in Russia.
#5 KALIDOU KOULIBALY (NAPOLI)
Jorginho may have left for Chelsea in the summer, but they will be delighted to keep the rest of their squad intact. Koulibaly is the man they would not want to lose, with the Senegal international proving in 2017/18 that he deserves to be among the very best in his position.
A commanding, well-built figure who’s difficult to shrug off of either in the air or a foot race, Koulibaly is rarely dominated by opposition strikers. He is more impressive with the ball in his feet and a great passer who always manages to keep his composure in possession.
#4 DIEGO GODIN (ATLETICO MADRID)
At the age of 32, Diego Godin probably isn’t the type of center-half who would shine under Pep Guardiola or Maurizio Sarri, but he’s the perfect fit for Atletico Madrid and Uruguay. He showed his ability to carry the ball upfield when the situation demands in the World Cup. Godin is more of an old-fashioned, no-nonsense defender.
He is gritty, rugged and aggressive; the former Villarreal defender is invariably in the right place at the right time. Gifted with great powers of anticipation, he also has a useful knack for scoring vital set-piece goals.
#3 VIRGIL VAN DIJK (LIVERPOOL)
Football is a team game, and if the aggregate balance of the team isn’t right, then even the most talented individual will struggle to prosper. It's hard to downplay the fact that Van Dijk has transformed Liverpool’s fortunes since his transfer from Southampton last season.
The Dutchman hasn't won any international tournament or won a major trophy outside Scotland – but the 27-year-old has everything needed in a modern-day center-back: strength, speed, aerial prowess, leadership qualities and ability on the ball which is why he's the most expensive defender of all time.
#2 RAPHAEL VARANE (REAL MADRID)
Varane was phenomenal at the 2018 World Cup, putting in a superb performance as France won the tournament for the second time in its history. His latest success followed the four Champions Leagues and two La Ligas he’d previously won with Real Madrid.
He is aggressive but elegant, intense but composed. Varane is the complete central defender. The Frenchman reads the game correctly and also possesses the recovery speed to cover for teammates’ mistakes. He’s adept at stepping into midfield with the ball and putting his side on the attack.
#1 SERGIO RAMOS (REAL MADRID)
Ramos is not famous outside of the Santiago Bernabeu, but it’s tough to undermine his position as one of the best defenders in world football. The Real Madrid captain is the team’s soul and always rises to the big occasion, as demonstrated during Los Blancos’ recent monopolization of the UEFA Champions League trophy.
He always does the basics very well and is a tough opponent for any striker to face. His antics may be a turn-off, but his reading of the game and aerial prowess is next to none.
