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It's hard to believe that Paris Saint-Germain and Brazil centre-back, Marquinhos, is just 24-years-old
Team selection is one of the hardest tasks for a national team coach as he has to choose from a wide range of players having various kinds of skillsets and exposure.
Most of the teams at the World Cup 2018 this year have experienced, world-class defenders at their disposal. However, coaches are turning to youngsters to replace them and most of them have performed brilliantly at the highest level.
In-form players, irrespective of their age, are being prioritized over old stalwarts.
Some of these in-form players have made it to the World Cup squads in the past too, such as Mattia De Sciglio, Lucas Digne, Erik Durm and Jose Gimenez for their respective countries in 2014.
There's going to be plenty of talent on display at the FIFA World Cup this year, and on that note, let's take a look at 5 young and gifted defenders who are expected to feature on the grandest stage of world football:
#5 Marquinhos - Brazil
The 24-year old from Sao Paulo has been the first choice centre-back for Paris Saint-Germain for the past 2 seasons and has formed a solid defensive partnership with club captain Thiago Silva.
Marquinhos played for Brazil Under-21 at the 2014 Toulon Tournament, featuring in all five of their matches as Brazil won the tournament. Notably, he was also part of Brazil's gold medal-winning team at the 2016 Olympics.
Marquinhos is a versatile centre-back who can also play on the right side of the defence. His initial experience in Italy with Roma has moulded him into a mature and decisive defender. He is a ball-playing centre-back who is always well positioned to deal with danger. His light frame gives him speed, which helps him tackle quick centre-forwards.
While his Brazilian teammate Thiago Silva is more of a physical defender, he is quite the opposite, as he impresses with his interceptions, calm demeanour and astute reading of the game. They complement each other very well and this defensive duo has laid the foundation for PSG's recent success, and could successfully hold the fort for Brazil at the World Cup as well.
#4 Davinson Sanchez - Colombia
A man-mountain of a defender, Davinson Sanchez is strong while facing his own goal as well as in bringing the ball out. In fact, Sánchez was known at Ajax for his incredible last man challenges.
The 21-year old joined Tottenham Hotspur from Ajax for a reported £40 million. He is a physical specimen who is diligent in the air and in both boxes. With a solid debut season in the Premier League, he seems to be a well-rounded modern-day defender.
Sanchez always handles high-pressure situations with impeccable calmness and diligence which is a facet of his game that he nurtured in Colombia. He charges out from the back to win early loose balls from opposition forwards which is integral to Spurs' pressing game.
His ability to be comfortable in possession while in the midfield line is apt for a former defensive midfielder as when he pushes higher up the field, he can execute effective line-breaking passes. Further, he is a player who was moulded in Marcelo Bielsa’s style of play.
With an ability to read the play like few his age, he possesses a deceptive pace that allows him to remain a step ahead of the opponents. Sanchez is also proficient at utilising his mammoth frame when required to out-muscle opposing forwards.
But despite the rawness still in his game, he looks like a real contender to become ‘the next big thing’ in the world of centre-backs.
#3 Álvaro Odriozola - Spain
The 22-year old right-back from San Sebastian, Spain, is tactically and technically very gifted. His speed and ability with the ball help him dribble past players easily.
Apart from his speed, pace and stamina, his ability to keep the ball close to his feet while running is impressive, which has helped him notch up 4 assists this term. He is physically very strong and his endurance is out of this world.
Odriozola previously played as a right winger and it was only when he made his debut with Real Sociedad's reserves that he was moved to right-back. Since then, his progress has been meteoric. His defensive skills have improved – while his exploits going forward have not been affected.
He was part of the Spain Under-21 side that finished as runners-up in the 2017 European Championship. Julen Lopetegui's tendency to give starts to in-form players rather than the older statesmen gives him an edge over other Spanish right-backs.
#2 Lucas Hernandez - France
Lucas is a strong, steady defender who has shown great versatility in his short Atletico career to date, looking comfortable both at left-back and in his natural position of centre-back. At just 22, he has already made 50 appearances for Los Rojiblancos and won the UEFA Europa League this season.
The Frenchman is cool on the ball, strong and rarely misses a tackle. One of Lucas' biggest strengths is bringing the ball out from the back, and he is usually both careful and intelligent in his distribution of it.
Because of his aerial ability, he's also a threat from set pieces and can be relied upon to clear the line at the back. The fact that Diego Simeone refused to allow the Frenchman to leave on loan last summer is a testament to how highly he rates him.
The power and aggression Lucas has, are reminiscent of the man he looks up to, Jose Gimenez, who is a great example for him to follow if he wants to tap his unquestionable potential. He has time on his side and there are few better defenders to learn from than Diego Godin.
Expect him to put in a number of excellent performances for France if he's given the opportunity.
#1 Niklas Süle - Germany
The 22-year old German made his Bundesliga debut at a tender age of 17. He rejected a host of Premier League clubs to join Bayern Munich from Hoffenheim last summer, where he played a key role in their top 4 finish.
Süle's as close to the ideal centre-back as you can envision. He's physically strong, extremely good in the air, but also possesses outstanding technique. His passing range is exceptional, and he can be often found starting off attacks.
A right-footed centre-back, Süle typically plays on the right side of a centre-back pairing. Süle is a strong defensive prospect, with his timing in the tackle and reading of the game allowing him to quell dangerous attacks efficiently, looking to step out of defence to nick the ball quickly and lay it off to a team-mate.
He was part of the squad for the 2016 Summer Olympics, where Germany won the silver medal. His temperament is excellent and he plays with a maturity that belies his tender years. Improving all the time, Süle could go on to become one of the world's best centre-backs.
