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#3 Presnel Kimpembe | Paris Saint-Germain
Paris Saint-Germain star Presnel Kimpembe is one of the many impressive centre-backs France has produced over the last few years, but he is one of the only few left-footed ones, giving him a unique advantage. The 23-year-old starred for his club last year in the UEFA Champions League as he faced off with some of the best players in Europe and managed to hold his own.
Kimpembe is excellent on the ball, boasting the second-highest passing accuracy among any Ligue 1 players this year after Jason Denayer while averaging over 70 passes per game. He's also been solid at the back for Les Bleus whenever called upon by Didier Deschamps.
At 23, Kimpembe is already one of PSG's most important players across all fronts and is sure to get even better in the coming years.
#2 Alessandro Bastoni | Internazionale
Internazionale have made some questionable decisions in the transfer market over the last few seasons, but signing young Atalanta academy product Alessandro Bastoni for a massive €31m has proven to be an excellent move so far. The young Italian, who spent some time on loan away at Atalanta and Parma, has had an excellent Serie A campaign for Antonio Conte's side.
Usually starting on the left of a back-three, the young left-footed defender has been excellent at carrying the ball forward, switching play, and finding his teammates with superbly weighted passes across the pitch. Bastoni ranks fifth for touches in Serie A and sixth for progressive carrying distance, highlighting how comfortable he is on the ball.
The Nerazzurri appear to have uncovered a true gem in Bastoni. The towering Italian has started 29 of Inter's 33 Serie A games this year and helped them attain a staggering 11-point lead at the top.
#1 David Alaba | Bayern Munich
David Alaba's permanent switch to centre-back has been a game-changer for Bayern Munich as he's added another dimension to their backline. The Austrian's ability to bring the ball out of the back effortlessly and push his side higher up the pitch has been phenomenal, and it has been a key feature of Hans-Dieter Flick's rendition of the side.
Being a full-back by trade and having played in midfield on several occasions, Alaba's ability on the ball has never been in question. These qualities have been brought to the fore playing at central defence as Alaba has been vital in driving his side forward. The Austrian has played more passes into the final third than any Bundesliga player this season (218) and ranks fourth for touches, progressive passes, progressive carries and carrying distance.
If reports are to be believed, Alaba is set to join Real Madrid come summer, which could give the Blancos a superb option in defence as he will be the only left-footed central defender in their side.
Also read: 5 Greatest big-game players in world football right now
