Top 5 centre backs in world football at the moment

"You must stop either the ball or the player – you must never let both go through"

In a football world dominated by players who regularly rack up goals for their respective teams, the vital contributions of those doing the dirty work on the defensive end are easily overlooked.

Needless to say, the role of a central defender is one of the toughest. It necessitates immense focus and attention to the task at hand, as even the slightest brain fart can lead to a meaningful loss. Such is the significance of a centre-back.

However, despite this great importance, defenders do not always get the credit they rightfully deserve. Until now, only three defenders have won the FIFA Ballon d'Or - Franz Beckenbauer, Matthias Sammer, and Fabio Cannavaro.

On that note, lets take a look at the top 5 centre-backs in the world.

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#5 Diego Godín

Age is yet to catch up to him

Diego Godin is not exactly the type of player you will see making great strides under managers who tend to be too rigid in respect of their tactics. Still, he is a mainstay of Atletico Madrid and Uruguay.

The ex-Villarreal ace is on the wrong side of thirty, but age is yet to catch up to him. Known for his incredible work rate and undeniable talent, Godin possesses an aggressive, no-nonsense attitude towards dealing with things.

He is great at anticipating the opponent's moves, and is always present in the right place at the right time. Godin is also a set-piece threat, courtesy of his aerial prowess.

The 32-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United over the past few months. However, reports suggest that Godin is determined to stay at Atletico Madrid for the foreseeable future.

#4 Kalidou Koulibaly

The 27-year-old has continued his magnificent form this season

Under the tutelage of Maurizio Sarri, Kalidou Koulibaly blossomed into one of the best defenders in football last season. The Senegalese centre-back was the fulcrum of Sarri's fast-paced, possession-based style at Napoli, and enjoyed a stellar season in 2017-18 which ultimately ended in disappointment.

Thanks to his phenomenal showing, he remained hot property throughout this past summer. However, no move transpired, much to Napoli's relief. After all, the Italian giants could not afford to lose Koulibaly, having already suffered the departures of Maurizio Sarri and Jorginho.

Although Senegal had to taste disappointment in the 2018 World Cup, Koulibaly did not fail to amaze the spectators in Russia.

The 27-year-old has continued his magnificent form this season. Needless to say, he boasts of a pretty impressive skill set, which has been further embellished by his imposing physicality and headstrong attitude.

#3 Virgil van Dijk

After his arrival, Liverpool's defence has undergone a massive turnaround

Even though Jurgen Klopp had managed to morph Liverpool into one of the most dominant attacking forces across Europe, his tactics were not bearing fruit at the back for The Reds. Well, that was until the German manager decided to cough up a world-record £75 million to bring in Virgil van Dijk from Southampton.

And the move certainly turned out to be a shrewd coup. After his arrival, Liverpool's defence has undergone a massive turnaround, all thanks to the 27-year-old's prodigious talent. So far, the English giants remain unbeaten in the Premier League, and have only conceded 5 goals, which is the best defensive record in the English top-tier this season.

VVD is particularly known for his strength in the air, composure on the ball, capability to kick-start play from the back, and his leadership qualities.

#2 Raphaël Varane

He could very well be the first defender since Fabio Cannavaro to finish on the Ballon d'Or podium

As of now, Raphael Varane is the most valuable defender in the world. After all, he has enjoyed a spectacular year and could very well be the first defender since Fabio Cannavaro to finish on the Ballon d'Or podium.

Having already won the Champions League in May, Varane entered the World Cup 2018 in Russia with high hopes. Throughout the tournament, in tandem with Samuel Umtiti, he was a brick wall for the French national team. The 25-year-old even scored a goal against Uruguay in the quarter-finals. Had it not been for his invaluable contributions, France's road to World Cup glory would have been a lot more bumpy.

Varane is also a key player at Real Madrid, albeit it is Sergio Ramos who steals the show most of the time. At present, reports suggest that the Frenchman is on Jose Mourinho's radar.

#1 Sergio Ramos

Ramos is an absolute Rolls-Royce of a defender

Outside the Santiago Bernabeu, he is a scoundrel. At the Santiago Bernabeu, he is a warrior. This disparity in perspectives precisely encapsulates Sergio Ramos' character as a footballer.

Now although his antics are always open to debate, his defensive skills are indisputable. Rugged, gritty, and aggressive, Ramos is an absolute Rolls-Royce of a defender. Mr Real Madrid, as he is affectionately known, never shies away from putting his body on line for the sake of his team.

During his stint at Real Madrid, Ramos has inspired Los Blancos to 4 LaLiga trophies and as many Champions League titles. The 32-year-old ensured that the 2017-18 season ended on a high note for the Spanish giants as he lifted the Champions League title for the fourth time in the last five years, after trumping Klopp's Liverpool.

Despite being 32, Ramos has shown no signs of stopping, and his form is unlikely to decline in the near future.