Every club in Europe continues to look for a player labelled the "the next X". At a young age, the vast majority of these superstars are snapped up by the vulturing big clubs that continue to scout for some of the best talents across the continent.
In recent years, the lack of quality young defenders has become a paramount concern for many clubs with some teams still searching for that special someone in defence.
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Far too regularly, teams are struck down due to their frailties in defence and weakness at preventing the opposition from imposing themselves, upon themselves.
But our team of experts have searched far and wide and considered these five defenders a must have for clubs with the January transfer window having barely over one week until it's closure.
The necessity for a solid defensive unit cannot be understated, and for teams in search of trophies, these five young defenders must be considered by every major side capable of financing a move.
Here are the five best defenders under the age of 23 in world football currently.
#5 Samuel Umtiti (Barcelona)
Former Lyon defender Umtiti was Barcelona’s most exciting summer signing last year when Luis Enrique’s side splashed out €30million on the defender. Having previously broken through the Lyon academy, Umtiti became a fan favourite for the Ligue 1 outfit for his on the ball composure, physical strength, commanding nature, and leadership credentials. Were they wrong?
Umtiti made his France debut during Euro 2016 and is slowly progressing into the Barcelona first-team after a cautious start to his career at the Nou Camp. Recently just turned 23-years-old, the defender just makes the list but no one can deny the ability the youngster possess.
Barcelona have struggled to replace the partnership of Carlos Puyol and Gerrard Pique, but in a role’s reversal scenario, Gerrard Pique is now the tutor to the mentor in Umtiti like Puyol was to Pique in 2008. If he has half the career of either of the duo, then Umtiti is set to become a Barcelona icon.
#4 Lucas Hernandez (Atletico Madrid)
Not the last French defender who will appear on this list and the youngster has the potential to become a symbolic figure at the Vincent Calderon.
Hernandez is still to ensure his first-team regular place in the current set up with Diego Simeone, but his performances in the Champions League and further highlighted his potential this season.Aged just 20-years-old, the potential of Hernandez is evident and just how far he can go in the European game would remain on whether he can achieve first-team football.
Hernandez can become the captain of the club that is expected to lose Diego Godin in the next few years. His composure on the ball and ability to command the back four are attributes already shining through in his young age. Under the guidance of Diego Simeone, Hernandez career is set to blossom beyond extraordinary levels. Holding onto someone of his quality next season may be more valuable than any summer signing the club make.
#3 Hector Bellerin (Arsenal)
When you're looking for a full-back in the modern game, it's difficult to find anyone with the potential to both attack and defend as far too regularly players are unable to defend and regular neglect their responsibilities. Bellerin’s blistering pace combined with his awareness on the flanks have made sure he’s a steady first-teamer member of Arsene Wenger’s side.
Bellerin's arrival into the first-team fold appeared by accident when Mathieu Debuchy injured his ankle ligaments in September 2014. Since then, the 21-year-old has become a prominent figure in the Gunners line-up and is regularly linked with a move to Barcelona.
The former winger has the potential to become a Premier League legend at Arsenal, and could easily emulate the success of Lee Dixon if he opts to remain in North-London for the foreseeable future. With the opportunity to build a legacy at the Emirates Stadium, Bellerin could be incredibly foolish to look elsewhere to play regularly. This is one full-back we could be discussing in a similar bracket to Gary Neville and Ashley Cole if the player continues his progression in a similar fashion.
#2 Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain)
One of the best central defenders in world football, and still a youth in terms of experience, Marquinhos has the potential to become a significant factor in PSG claiming continental success in the coming years.
The Brazilian continues to find himself playing second fiddle to Thiago Silva, but it's seen as a matter of time before the former AS Roma defender outshines his compatriot in Paris. His leadership at a young age and confidence highlight just why Barcelona and Manchester United have wanted to sign the player in recent years.
Extreme composure on the ball added with unbelievable awareness and ability to read the game, Marquinhos is going straight to the top of the European game. When PSG don’t have the Brazilian international in their starting eleven, Unai Emery’s side are instantly a weaker side.
#1 Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Bilbao)
Plenty of clubs are scouting Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte and his progression at the La Liga outfit. Last summer the player almost made a £40million move to Premier League giants Manchester City before he opted to remain at the Basque club following an ankle injury that ceased the progression the youngster was rapidly making.
Laporte has become one of European football's most sought-after defenders because of his ability on the ball and his expert reading of danger before it occurs. If every player at his young age could see the game like Laporte does, then the difficulty to find world-class defenders would become an easier process. Yet to make his full international debut, questions marks surround his ability for this reason alone - stupid isn't it?
There's not many better central defenders in world football right now, and at the right hold age of 22-years-old, Laporte could become an icon of the game should his form continue. It remains a matter of when, rather than if, Laporte leaves Bilbao for one of the giants of the European stage.
