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

#7 Federico Fazio - AS Roma

MILAN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 26: Federico Fazio of AS Roma (L) jumps for the ball against Mauro Emanuel Icardi of FC Internazionale Milano during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AS Roma at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on February 26, 2017 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images ) — Statistically, Fazio was the best defender in 2016/17

Overlooked at Tottenham Hotspur, Fazio made such an impact with the Italian giants Roma that many even called him the best defender in Italy last season. Fazio had below par seasons with Spurs and Sevilla but made amends with sensational performances for Roma.

Brought in as a backup defender by Luciano Spalleti, Fazio slowly impressed in the early games and made himself a regular starter for the club. Playing in a back three, Fazio was aggressive from the word go and made the highest number of successful tackles in the Serie A.

One of the top-ranked defenders according to both Whoscored and Squawka, Fazio made a staggering 2.4 interceptions every 90 minutes along with winning 3.5 aerial duels per game.

Edited by Staff Editor