The 2016/17 football season has seen a few success stories, unexpected failures and several notable memories. The end of the season gives both players and clubs a chance to assess themselves and work on what can be improved. On one hand, certain players have enhanced their already good reputation while a few others have lost theirs.
Then there are some more, who have put on top performances consistently to help their team and further their own prospects. Out of various positions, defenders are most highly scrutinised after goalkeepers. This is due to the fact that one error can lead to a goal whereas the midfielders and forwards have a less-direct impact if they commit errors.
Also Read: 5 of the most underrated defenders in Europe
Thus, finding top defenders is one of the toughest things in world football and it involves a lot of factors. It requires having the right partner, staying fit and solid defensive organisation. Every season throws up a few defenders who make a name for themselves and come into the limelight.
This season has seen more than a few defenders step up and help their teams do well. Here are 5 of them, one each from Europe’s top 5 leagues, who have done exceptionally well this season.
#5 Michael Keane, Burnley
The Manchester United Reserve Player of the Year in 2012 has finally arrived this season and many suitors can attest to the fact. Michael Keane started out at Manchester United’s academy and appeared sporadically for the first team. A constant influx of new signings and change of managers eventually led to the youngster leaving the club after a number of loans.
Burnley was the final loan spell for Keane and the Clarets instantly understood his potential as they signed him permanently in the January of 2015. Along with his outstanding partner, Ben Mee, Keane has been responsible for a rock-solid Burnley defence and an impeccable record at home. They conceded just 20 goals at home and picked up 6 clean sheets as their home form helped them survive the drop in the Premier League.
Also Read: Burnley defender Michael Keane can become as huge as Paul Pogba, says Rio Ferdinand
The 24-year old Keane is a modern defender who combines the old-school English steel with a superb ability to bring the ball out from defence. A terrific season has seen his stock go up and he has also received his first English cap during this season against Germany.
Therefore, it is of no surprise that his former club, Manchester United along with Liverpool and Tottenham are vying for his services before the start of next season. He was nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year award as well.
(Video Courtesy – WorldofFootballHD YouTube Channel)
#4 Benjamin Hubner, Hoffenheim
RB Leipzig have definitely turned eyeballs with their steep rise from the lower echelons of Germany to finish 2nd this season. However, another team in Germany has done a similar job albeit in a low-key way.
Hoffenheim, with 29-year old Julian Nagelsmann at the helm, have finished 4th in the Bundesliga and are now in contention to play in Europe’s top competition next season.
This stunning march to top four was built on a robust defence and praiseworthy tactics from the manager. Die Kraichgauer suffered only 4 defeats and conceded 37 goals, which is bettered only by Bayern Munich.
Thus, it is natural that Hoffenheim’s defensive lynchpins, Sebastian Rudy and Niklas Sule are set to join the German champions in the summer.
Also Read: 5 present-day underrated German footballers
However, another player has truly improved his stock this season and he is centre-back Benjamin Hubner. He joined from Ingolstadt last summer and after a bedding-in period, he has become a vital player in the side.
Tall, tough in tackling and a good passer of the ball, the German has been quietly spectacular for the club. He has won 2.6 headers per game, which is higher than Bayern-bound Sule and is a threat in the opposition box as well.
At 27 years of age, a big move might not be in store for him. Nevertheless, his performances are sure to get noticed and he made it to the Whoscored.com Team of the Season ahead of his defensive team-mates. Another consistent season for Hubner will do a world of good for his footballing future.
#3 Samuel Umtiti, Barcelona
The perils associated with being a defender in an attack-oriented side such as Barcelona are many. To add to that, the pressure of performing for such a big club and the constant scrutiny makes it very difficult to settle at the Catalan club. One only needs to see Jeremy Mathieu, Marc Bartra and Thomas Vermaelen to understand.
So, 23-year old Samuel Umtiti had a tough task at his hands. However, if the season is any indication, the Frenchman has not only adapted to his new surroundings but also is thriving in the role. Barcelona have won 24 out of the 25 league games Umtiti has played in, which shows the stability he brings to the side.
His strength, passing ability and concentration have made him the right partner for Gerard Pique ahead of Javier Mascherano this season.
Umtiti’s presence gives balance to the defence as well as the attack. Further, the irresistible attack of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar means that the team has to put in extra defensive work and the Frenchman has lived up to the task. There is no doubt that Umtiti is one of the top defenders in the making at one of the best clubs in Europe.
(Video Courtesy – RoMarsh YouTube Channel)
#2 Mattia Caldara, Atalanta
The 23-year old centre-back is one of the best defenders in Italy and had a stellar season with Atalanta. Mattia Caldara helped his side to 15 clean sheets in his 29 games in the Serie A and has finished the season with a splendid Whoscored.com rating of 7.28.
La Dea have qualified for the Europa League by finishing 5th through a strong defensive organisation.
Also Read: How Juventus copied Bayern Munich to continue Serie A hegemony
Caldara has already been compared with the legendary Alessandro Nesta due to his composure, game awareness and intelligence. Further, there are comparisons with Gaetano Scirea, one of the greatest ever Italian defenders.
Just like Atalanta’s legendary captain in 1974, Caldara will join Juventus back, who signed him in January and loaned him back to La Dea till the end of next season.
Caldara’s positioning and penchant to wear the no.13 jersey is akin to Nesta while his terrific goalscoring prowess is similar to Scirea. The Italian centre-back has scored 7 goals this season, including a superb double against attack-minded Napoli in February.
Another season at Atalanta, with the Europa League also on offer, gives Caldara the chance to gain valuable experience before joining the Old Lady, one of the best-organized teams in Europe at the moment.
(Video Courtesy – WorldofFootballHD YouTube Channel)
#1 Benjamin Mendy, Monaco
Monaco were the surprise package in Europe this season with their exciting attacking football led by top young talents. They deservedly won the Ligue 1 ahead of the heavy-spending PSG and made it to the semi-finals of the Champions League, picking up the scalps of Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund on the way.
Leonardo Jardim has done a tremendous job of harnessing the immense potential of his young squad to deliver results. While the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Bernardo Silva and Thomas Lemar are the more popular names, Benjamin Mendy is not far behind.
After Mendy gave a glimpse of his attacking potential, in particular at Le Havre, he failed to establish himself at Marseille and was in danger of becoming another attacking full-back who cannot defend.
Also Read: Why is Monaco’s Benjamin Mendy one of the most promising full-backs in Europe?
However, his first-team experience of over 100 caps was enough for Monaco to snap him up. It is at the principality that the left-back corrected his game to become one of Europe’s finest in a year. A lot of credit goes to Jardim for the 22-year old’s progress as he helped him balance both the attacking and defensive aspects of his game.
The result was there for all to see, especially against Manchester City, in the round of 16 of the Champions League. Mendy is an engine and possesses technique and a newfound defensive temperament. with age on his side, he is only bound to get better.
No wonder the likes of Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp are looking to sign him.
(Video Courtesy – ScoutNationHD YouTube Channel)
