The top ten defenders currently playing the game.
Although much of the credit in football goes to attacking players, the best teams also rely on a strong defence and here are the top ten from CaughtOffside.
10. Nemanja Vidic, Manchester United
Although now a veteran of the Red Devils side, their captain and enforcer on the pitch is still a world-class talent and is a stalwart in the team.
Joining in January 2006 from Spartak Moscow in a £7m deal, Vidic has gone onto play nearly 300 matches for the Premier League champions.
9. Sergio Ramos, Real Madrid
A versatile defender for both club and country as the Spaniard can operate as a centre-back and also on the right-hand side of the back four.
Has won two European Championships and the World Cup with the Spanish national team, as well La Liga and the Copa Del Rey.
8. Giorgio Chiellini, Juventus
Something of a late bloomer the 29-year-old is now an established first team star for both Juve and Italy and has helped La Bianconeri to successive Serie A titles.
Joining the Old Lady from Fiorentina in 2005, Chiellini generally operates as part of a three man defence.
7. Dani Alves, Barcelona
Perhaps the most attacking addition on the list as the Brazil international often plays as more of a right winger than a right-back.
However, despite not providing as much at the back for Barca the South American is vital when the Catalans are on the offensive.
6. Branislav Ivanovic, Chelsea
The second Serbian on the list after Vidic and perhaps one the most consistent performers in the English top tier for some time, after arriving at Stamford Bridge from Lokomotiv Moscow in 2008.
Since then the 29-year-old has won the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League and has also developed into a fine right-back.
5. Vincent Kompany, Manchester City
The City skipper is ever reliable and during a time of expensive outlay for the Citizens represents something of a bargain having arrived in Eastlands for £7m.
Now an important first team player for both club and the Belgium national team, this 27-year-old has everything available to be a world-class defender.
4. Gerard Pique, Barcelona
One of the only players at the Nou Camp who does not rely on attacking flair (and that includes the full-backs) and is instead a steady presence at the back.
With club captain Carles Puyol reaching the end of the veteran’s career, the Spanish champions are in safe hands with this towering centre-back.
3. Mats Hummels, Borussia Dortmund
A reject from the Bayern Munich youth system, the Bundesliga champions must now be kicking themselves for allowing this talented 24-year-old to leave.
Now at Dortmund Hummels has helped the club to two German league titles and a Champions League final.
2. Philipp Lahm, Bayern Munich
Seeing the full-back have a bad game is one of those rare occurrences that is comparable to that of a comet passing across the skyline, such is the calm and professional approach Lahm brings to the game.
In an all conquering team full of stars at the Allianz Arena, the Germany international is arguably the most important to the team’s success.
1. Thiago Silva, Paris Saint-Germain
The most expensive defender in history and justifiably so as Silva continues to prove why PSG paid £37m for the centre-back’s services in the summer of 2012.
Now an important presence for the Parisians and the Brazilian national team, the country will be looking to the 29-year-old when they host the World Cup next year.