The world’s best centre-backs, in one list…
SEE ALSO: The best managers in world football
The start of the 2014 World Cup is just three days away, and fans from all over the world are readying themselves for football’s biggest festival.
While the supporters love to see attacking football, it’s often the performances of defenders that see countries do especially well at international tournaments, and here are our ten best centre-backs competing in Brazil this summer.
10) David Luiz – Brazil
The Chelsea man is set become the world’s most expensive ever central defender when he completes a move to PSG for a reported £50m. The Brazilian performs superbly for his country, keeping Bayern Munich’s Dante out of the starting XI. With the ball at his feet, there are arguably no better, but he does occasionally have a lapse in defensive concentration.
9) Gary Cahill – England
The second Chelsea defender in our top 10, Cahill is England’s best defender now Rio Ferdinand and John Terry have quit international football. He marshals the defence excellently, and is brilliant at dealing with balls delivered into the box.
8) Pepe – Portugal
Pepe is incomparably tough, and prides himself on his nonsense defending and never say die attitude. While he’s probably not as technically talented as many others on this list, his attitude brings his performances up.
7) Laurent Koscielny – France
Arsenal’s best defender, Koscielny was probably the highest performing central defender in the Premier League last term. He’s positionally excellent, and will likely start alongside Raphael Varane or Mamadou Sakho for his country this summer.
6) Giorgio Chiellini – Italy
The Juventus man is the lynchpin of the traditionally excellent Italian defence. At 29-years-old, he’s in his defensive peak, and will be in high confidence after winning his third consecutive Serie A title with the old Lady last term.
5) Mats Hummels – Germany
Hummels is the man Manchester United want to replace Nemanja Vidic, but they’ll have some job on their hands persuading Borussia Dortmund to sell. He’s as strong in the air as he is composed in possession.
4) Gerard Pique – Spain
The first of two Spanish central defenders in our top 10, Pique has already won the World Cup with his country four years ago, and will be looking to pick up Spain’s fourth major trophy since 2008.
3) Vincent Kompany – Belgium
Kompany captained Manchester City to their second Premier League title in three years last term, and will lead dark horses Belgium this summer. He’s excellent at rushing out of defence and intercepting opposition attacks.
2) Sergio Ramos – Spain
Ramos has been voted into the FIF-PRO World team of the Year on an unbelievable four occasions. He’s only 28-years-old, but has already won 116 caps for his country! With at least five years left at the top of the game, he could well finish his career as one of the most capped players of all time.
1) Thiago Silva – Brazil
PSG’s centre is currently the most expensive ever defender, following his £36m move from AC Milan two summers ago. He’s brilliantly consistent, and can pass the ball like a creative midfielder as well. Nerymar is Brazil’s most exciting player, but their brilliant captain will be just as important.
SEE ALSO: The Fastest Players on Fifa 14