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The 2020-21 La Liga season has already had its fair share of twists and turns. With Real Madrid and Barcelona struggling to record victories consistently, Atletico Madrid have raced to the top of the table and could well win their first La Liga title since the 2013-14 season.
Diego Simeone's side are the team to beat this season, but the likes of Villarreal, Real Sociedad and Sevilla have also shown flashes of brilliance and could well play pivotal roles in shaping the league table.
Los Rojiblancos are blessed with some of the best defenders in the continent, with the side from the Spanish capital returning to their imperious best at the back this season. Several other defenders have also impressed with a series of eye-catching displays and have been linked with big-money moves to other European clubs.
On that note, here are the five best defenders in La Liga this season.
#5 Kieran Trippier | Atletico Madrid
Kieran Trippier's move to Atletico Madrid raised eyebrows, as Simeone opted to sign the Englishman to replace the outgoing Juanfran. Known for his crossing ability and set pieces, the former Tottenham Hotspur man has become a key player for Los Rojiblancos since making the unexpected switch to the Spanish capital.
Trippier has come leaps and bounds defensively under the Argentine and has cemented his spot in the starting XI. He will look to use his experience and spearhead Atleti to the La Liga title, as they currently find themselves above Barcelona and Real Madrid in the league standings.
#4 Pau Torres | Villarreal
Pau Torres has been the standout player for Villarreal this season, as they continue to go from strength to strength under Unai Emery. The towering central defender is also a full Spain international and looks set to be called up by Luis Enrique for the European Championships later this year.
A left-footed defender by trade, Torres has shown his elegance on the ball and has also developed a knack for scoring important goals for club and country. Emery hailed him earlier this year as one of the best players he has worked with and it remains to be seen if Villarreal manage to keep hold of him in the coming months.
The 24-year-old has been linked with big-money moves to Arsenal and Real Madrid and has a bright future ahead of him.
#3 Stefan Savic | Atletico Madrid
Stefan Savic has rolled back the years and delivered the goods consistently for Atletico Madrid this season, as Diego Simeone looks to spearhead his side to their first La Liga title since 2013-14. The Montenegro international has featured 14 times in La Liga this season and has been a massive reason behind Atleti's imperious form at the back.
Los Rojiblancos have only conceded five goals with Savic on the pitch this season and look increasingly like the real deal at the back. Be it with Felipe, Mario Hermoso or Jose Gimenez, the 30-year-old has looked comfortable defensively and has established himself as the leader of the Atleti rearguard.
#2 Jules Kounde | Sevilla
Hailed as one of the best young defenders in world football, Jules Kounde is Sevilla's most coveted prospect and has delivered a string of eye-catching displays this season. Having played a pivotal role in his club's UEFA Europa League triumph last season, Kounde caught the eye of several top clubs across the continent including Manchester City, who reportedly lodged a big-money bid to secure his signature.
However, Sevilla stood firm on their valuation and refused to part with their prized asset, as Pep Guardiola opted to sign Portuguese defender Ruben Dias instead. While the former Benfica man has gone on to become a mainstay of the Manchester City backline, it could be argued that Kounde has a higher ceiling and it's not hard to see why he was the Cityzens' top target.
Real Madrid and Liverpool have been linked with the Frenchman, who looks set to move on at the end of the current campaign.
#1 Sergio Ramos | Real Madrid
Unsurprisingly, Sergio Ramos tops the list for his exploits with Real Madrid. The legendary Spaniard continues the lead the rearguard for Los Blancos and also has a knack for scoring crucial goals for his side.
Zinedine Zidane's side often struggle in his absence, with the likes of Raphael Varane, Eder Militao and Nacho Fernandes not dependable enough to lead the backline. Ramos is one of the greatest footballers of his generation and is still going strong at the age of 35, with Real Madrid currently locked in talks to extend his contract.
Los Blancos have reportedly agreed a deal with Bayern Munich defender David Alaba on a free transfer, and it remains to be seen if the Austrian's capture affects their thought process when it comes to Ramos' new contract.
