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Picking out the ten best defenders in a season isn't an easy task, especially as there are scores of them in various leagues. Also, given the wide-ranging opinions of fans and their own choices, there can be no one perfect list, which makes it difficult to draw a conclusion.
Nevertheless, let's take a look at the top ten defenders in Europe's top five leagues during the 2020-21 season:
#10 Stefan Savic (Atletico Madrid)
Stefan Savic was the epitome of consistency at the back for Atletico Madrid in 2020-21. He may not always garner headlines, but his impeccable positioning and strength in duels perfectly complemented the more ball-playing players in the squad.
Savic averaged over three clearances per game and was strong in the air too, winning almost three aerial duels. The Montenegrin star's importance in the Rojiblancos can be further gauged from the fact that conceded an average of a goal a game in five matches without him, compared to just 0.71 when he started.
#9 Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan)
Alessandro Bastoni dazzled in Antonio Conte's three-man defence as Inter Milan ended Juventus' near decade-long domestic stranglehold to win their first Serie A title in 11 years.
Inter Milan built their Serie A title success on the back of a resolute backline, which Bastoni was a key part of. He won tackles and also showcased his ball-playing prowess.
#8 Jerome Boateng (Bayern Munich)
Had he been in his prime, Jerome Boateng would have been further up this list of the best defenders in the season.
But despite his recent decline in form, he remained a force to be reckoned with in defence. The defender was once again at the heart of Bayern Munich's title success and showed that he is far from a finished product.
Hansi Flick kept faith in the German defender by playing him regularly. Boateng duly repaid his manager's trust by consistently delivering on the pitch, also displaying an improved sense of positioning and more composure.
After a successful decade in Bavaria, Boateng would be a quality addition to any team that signs him.
#7 Luke Shaw (Manchester United)
It took him seven years, but Luke Shaw finally produced the form that made him a star at Southampton. He delivered what Manchester United fans had been desperately waiting to see him produce at Old Trafford.
Given a license to venture forward, he drove upfield to devastating effect, registering a personal best tally of five assists while scoring a goal too. Competition from Alex Telles, United's new signing from Porto last summer, pushed Shaw to greater heights.
#6 Theo Hernandez (AC Milan)
From a Real Madrid flop to one of Serie A's best full-backs, Theo Hernandez has certainly made a meteoric rise to stardom since joining AC Milan. He helped the Rossoneri finish second in the Serie A this season and return to the Champions League for the first time in almost a decade.
Hernandez was key in getting the ball forward and laying incredible crosses, registering six assists. He showed a keen eye for goal too. The Spaniard netted seven times, the most by a full-back in the 2020-21 Serie A after only Atalanta's Robin Gosens.
#5 Harry Maguire (Manchester United)
Being the world's most expensive defender doesn't necessarily make you the best. Harry Maguire certainly felt the weight of his expensive price tag last season and struggled to live up to it. However, in the 2020-21 campaign, the centre-back recaptured his mojo and was integral to Manchester United's revival.
Thanks to his aerial dominance, Maguire averaged four duels per game and read the game brilliantly too. He made almost four clearances per outing as the Red Devils finally started getting returns from their massive investment in him. Maguire is doubtful for the all-important Europa League final against Villarreal, though.
#4 Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain)
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) boast a wealth of attacking talent in their ranks, but a centre-back like Marquinhos has been just as key to their fortunes as any other player. The Brazilian has been a mainstay in the heart of the PSG defence since 2013 as he capped off another fine individual campaign in 2020-21.
The 27-year-old not only took over the captain's armband from Chelsea-bound Thiago Silva, but he also made sure Silva wasn't missed. Marquinhos emerged as PSG's natural leader in a tough season, bailing his team out of tight corners with a defensive masterclass.
#3 John Stones (Manchester City)
Talk about redemption. John Stones appeared to be finished at the top, and no one expected him to have a future at the club. Nevertheless, the Manchester City centre-back scripted a fairy-tale renaissance and re-established himself among the best players in his position.
The arrival of Ruben Dias helped, too, as the former Everton defender significantly improved with the Portuguese by his side and forged an impeccable partnership with him. Stones can still make the odd mistake, but following a stellar campaign, he has won the trust of his manager again.
#2 Achraf Hakimi (Inter Milan)
Some people may not agree with Achraf Hakimi being ranked so high up the list, but a closer look at his stats will reveal that the Moroccan is redefining the role of a wing-back.
With seven goals and ten assists, Hakimi was the most prolific full-back in Europe's top five leagues, bringing a new dimension to Inter Milan's attack and playing a key role in their Scudetto success.
Suffice to say, he was an absolute steal at £36 million.
#1 Ruben Dias (Manchester City)
After splurging more than £400 million on defenders, Manchester City appeared to have finally discovered the solution to all their defensive woes in Ruben Dias. He has been a transformative signing, without whom City's Premier League success wouldn't have been easy.
The Portuguese defender beefed up the City backline so much that the Sky Blues conceded less than a goal-per-game after his arrival. His excellent reading of the game and tough tackling gave the EPL's most formidable strikers a run for their money.
If he continues in the same vein, Dias could be a permanent fixture in the XI for years to come. He has already proved his credentials by clinching the FWA Football of the Year award.
