10 best defenders in Europe from the 2016/17 season

Modified Jun 29, 2017 11:05 GMT

MALAGA, SPAIN - MAY 21: Sergio Ramos of Real Madrid and Marcelo of Real Madrid celebrate winning the title after the La Liga match between Malaga and Real Madrid at La Rosaleda Stadium on May 21, 2017 in Malaga, Spain. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images) — The duo helped Real Madrid to a historic double

#1 Dani Alves - Juventus

ROME, ITALY - MAY 17: Dani Alves of Juventus FC celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the TIM Cup Final match between SS Lazio and Juventus FC at Olimpico Stadium on May 17, 2017 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images) — Dani Alves was Juventus’ most influential player in Europe

When at the age of 34, Philipp Lahm was announcing his retirement, another right back of the same age was destroying defences with blistering runs in the Champions League. Dani Alves has often been considered one of the most decorated players of all time and his one-year stint in Italy added many more records to his legacy. His performances in both the legs against AS Monaco were arguably the best by a defender in the last decade or so.

Allegri also made Alves play further up field at right wing at times in the last season to make complete use of his attacking prowess. But his best displays came in a right wing-back position as he linked well with the likes of Juan Cuadrado and Paulo Dybala and helped set up many goals. With 2.6 tackles and 2.1 key passes in every game, Alves showed just why he is so highly rated.

Although he came up short against Real Madrid in the Champions League final, this was one of the best seasons for the Brazilian from a personal point of view – a season which sure made Barcelona regret their decision to sell him.

Edited by Staff Editor