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Numerous young defenders across Europe have caught the attention of top clubs across Europe this season. Leagues across Europe have produced a number of potential stars,with some breaking into the national side. Here are five defenders who have attracted the most interest over the 2012-2013 season.
1. Raphael Varane (Real Madrid, La Liga)
The 20-year-old Monsieur has been nothing short of a revelation this season. Jose Mourinho put his faith on this young lad to stop the opposing attacks and Varane’s performance allowed him to edge out Portuguese defensive stalwart, Pepe.
He is known specially for his performances against Manchester United in the Champions League and Barcelona in the La Liga. He is one of the hottest property in international football right now and if he can live up to his reputation, then in the next five years he will surely be considered as the best centre-back in the sport.
Inigo Martinez
2. Iñigo Martinez ( Real Sociedad, La Liga)
This 21-year-old centre-back is a strong header of the ball and is an excellent reader of the game and a Spanish international.
The above qualities might just sound like a Barcelona centre-back, but this Sociedad lad is a shade under 6-ft, and is tactically aware and aggressive in tackles. After establishing himself as one of the brightest defenders in the La Liga, he deservedly got a chance in the Spanish team for the London Olympics 2012.
He was linked with Arsenal, Chelsea and Real Madrid this transfer window.
He is hailed as the “next Carles Puyol” amongst Spanish fans.
Marquinhos
3. Marquinhos (PSG, French League)
This 18-year-old Brazilian has been quite a revelation this season at Roma. Roma scouts spotted him at an early age playing for Corinthians, and since then, he hasn’t looked back.
He made 21 appearances for AS Roma before being transferred to Paris-Saint Germain for a staggering fee of reportedly £30.1 million.
It was rumoured that Manchester United considered him as a long term successor to Rio Ferdinand.
Apart from being a good reader of the game, the PSG player is handy while his team is in possession due to impressive technique on the ball.
David Alaba
4. David Alaba (Bayern Munich, Bundesliga)
This young Austrian (20 years of age) made his mark for the German champions after his performance in the semi-final of the Champions League against Spanish giants Barcelona, as well as other brilliant performances against Arsenal and Juventus.
Bayern Munich is known to have issued a “hands-off” warning to AC Milan, who wanted to sign him earlier this season.
Lucas Digne
5. Lucas Digne (PSG, French League)
Digne,19, is another successful left-back who hails from Lille, following the footsteps of Mathieu Debuchy.
This youngster has shone in Ligue 1 and in Europa League this campaign and resultantly, Digne signed a five-year deal with PSG. The left-back has been touted as a possible long-term replacement for Patrice Evra at Old Trafford.
Digne, 19, was part of the triumphant France side that beat Uruguay in the final of the under-20 World Cup.
