#3 Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus)
Leonardo Bonucci, the 6ft 3in centre back is probably one of the most underrated central defenders in the world. He quietly goes about his business with minimal fuss and is an integral part of Juventus’ famed defence.
Bonucci began his career as a midfielder but switched to defence because of his great tactical nous. He is a ball-playing centre back and is famed for launching attacks from the back with accurate long balls to the strikers or out to the wing. The Italian is composed, tactically aware, strong in the air, quick across the grass, and brilliant in the tackle.
He has proved his mettle against strikers in Europe and in international games and has ably defended against all of them. He has earned high praise from Pep Guardiola, who tried to sign the defender for Manchester City in the summer, with the coach calling him “one of my favorite players ever”.
La Republica newspaper once dubbed him “Beckenbonucci” in reference to the great German sweeper Franz Beckenbauer.
Bonucci has helped Juventus to 5 Serie A titles, 2 Coppa Italia trophies, and 3 Supercoppa Italiana triumphs, as well as performing ably in his team’s Champions League campaign, where they reached the final.
He has also earned 63 Italy caps, with whom he was the runner-up in the European Championships of 2012.
