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#7 DALEY BLIND
A product of the famed Ajax youth academy, Daley Blind established himself in the 2014 World Cup, playing as a left-back for the Netherlands. Louis van Gaal's appointment as Manchester United manager saw him buy Blind for €17.5 million from Ajax.
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The Netherlands international became a vital cog in van Gaal's system; he was initially utilised as a defensive midfielder before transitioning into the club's first-choice centre-back capable of playing as a left-back if needed. After four seasons with the club, the 30-year old returned to Ajax, where he is the club vice-captain.
#6 JAMES MILNER
A consummate professional, James Milner's career in the English top flight has been an exceptional one.
Having begun his career at Leeds United, Milner played for the likes of Newcastle United and Aston Villa before moving to Manchester City in 2010. Here, the England international became an important player of a side which would win multiple trophies. Milner usually played in the midfield or on the wings.
The 34-year-old moved to Liverpool on a free in 2015. Here, he began playing as a left-back, performing at a high level.
Milner would play a crucial role as Liverpool won the Champions League and the Premier League and while his role as a player in the team might be diminishing, there is no denying his leadership and influence off the field.
#5 EMRE CAN
Emre Can has made appearances for some of the biggest clubs in the world, and he finally seems to have settled at Borussia Dortmund.
Can began his career with Bayern Munich, moving to Bayer Leverkusen in 2013, where he would make his name. After a four-season stint with Liverpool, the Germany international moved on a free to Juventus before finally joining Borussia Dortmund in 2020 for €25 million.
A tenacious player, Can can play in a variety of positions; although a midfielder, the 26-year old is capable of playing as a right-back or in defensive midfield and at Dortmund, manager Lucien Favre has often started him as a centre-back.
#4 OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO
Not many thought Oleksandr Zinchenko would become a vital cog for Pep Guardiola's Manchester City when he was signed from FC Ufa in 2016.
An attacking midfielder, it was hard to see the Ukraine international playing ahead of the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva; a loan move to PSV Eindhoven subsequently followed. However, consistent injuries to left-back Benjamin Mendy and lack of alternatives resulted in Zinchenko playing there.
The 23-year-old has been very good in his new position and is now seen as a direct rival to Benjamin Mendy's spot. A creative player with good stamina, Zinchenko has developed well under Guardiola and looks likely to improve.
Also Read: 10 greatest goalkeepers of the 21st century
