Top 5 central defenders of the decade

Spain Training Session and Press Conference

2. Gerrard Pique

If there is someone who embodies the Catalonian spirit it is one man, Gerrard Pique. The outspoken Spaniard has been a constant in the Barcelona lineup since his return to the club just before the start of the decade. He has arguably been just as important to the team as Lionel Messi has been.

He is the man guarding the backline, making last-ditch tackles, goal-line clearances and marking opposition attackers out of games. Pique has redefined what it means to be a centre back. His skill and comfort on the ball are second to none and this is what allows Barcelona to play out from the back. The confidence managers have had in his ability to shut out attacks gives the team license to press opponents high up the field.

It is common to see the Catalan side's defensive line stationed around the halfway line, all thanks to this man. Never afraid to speak his mind and always ready for a fight, Pique is the perfect combination of brain and brawn. Amassing a staggering 33 trophies in his career, Pique is the archetypical modern defender.

1. Sergio Ramos

There is only one man who can be named the best defender of this decade, Mr Clutch- Sergio Ramos. The captain and leader of arguably the best team of the decade, Ramos was more than a defender, he personifies Real Madrid. The Spaniard has always divided opinion, you either love him or hate him. Some people may call him rash but that's just his passion for the crest on his kit.

Whenever Madrid need a goal, and the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema couldn't deliver, he stepped up and got it. Throughout the decade, a late corner in a match that Madrid needed to win, meant a Ramos goal. Opponents dread him, peers envy him and Madridistas love him. Scoring over 100 career goals for a defender is no mean feat. 4 Champions Leagues in 5 years, along with 19 more trophies see Sergio Ramos named the best defender of the 2010s.