Top 10 defenders in the world in the 2020-21 season

#7 Luke Shaw (Manchester United)

Luke Shaw finally delivered on the promise he arrived with back in 2014.

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.

😕 Lost his place in the England squad 😢 Suffered a horrific leg break which kept him out for a year 😡 Publicly humiliated by Jose Mourinho🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Return’s to the England squad🏆 Manchester United Player’s Player of the YearLuke Shaw 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/mNHM1Lx3nV
— PF | Transfer News (@PurelyFootball) May 18, 2021

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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)

Theo Hernandez has been a revelation at 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.

Theo Hernández all-time stats for AC Milan:✅79 games⚽️15 goals🅰️13 assistsOne of the best strikers among the defenders. 🔴⚫️ pic.twitter.com/cEAsHWrQaT
— Football Talent Scout - Jacek Kulig (@FTalentScout) May 12, 2021

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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)

Harry Maguire not just improved in his performances but took to his captaincy duties with aplomb.

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.

Harry Maguire has been one of the most dominant centre backs in the #PremierLeague this season. 💪 pic.twitter.com/csJ6Efkoqy
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) May 21, 2021

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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)

Marquinhos has accomplished so much that it's easy to forget he's still only 27.

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.