10 best defenders in Europe from the 2016/17 season

#4 Leonardo Bonucci - Juventus

Yet another title for the Italian veteran

Italy has a tradition of producing high-quality defenders and Bonucci is certainly one of the best. The former Bari defender has been a mainstay at the back for the Bianconeri ever since his arrival.

His positioning sense and intercepting abilities are inarguably the best in the business and when you add his sensational passing range to his artillery, you have the perfect recipe for a world-beater. Bonucci was disciplined for his side last season as he made just 0.8 fouls per game, whilst being dribbled past on just 0.7 occasions.

Juventus retained the Scudetto last season and Bonucci again was at the forefront. The Italian had to play the role of a deep lying playmaker as well since Juventus no longer had the services of Andrea Pirlo and as seen by his position on this list, he passed that test with flying colours.