20 Best defenders of all time

#10 Matthias Sammer

For a player who would go on to revolutionise the role of the 'libero' in modern football, it is rather surprising that Matthias Sammer started his professional career as a striker and winger. The German was an effective forward with Dynamo Dresden, transitioning into a defensive midfield role the following year owing to his superior understanding of the game.

Sammer secured a transfer to Borussia Dortmund in the winter of 1992, where Ottmar Hitzfeld decided to deploy the versatile German in the 'libero' or sweeper position.

Sammer was a revelation for the Ruhr valley side, winning two consecutive Bundesliga titles and Borussia Dortmund's first-ever European Cup in 1997. Sammer also had a very successful career with the German national team, particularly after Germany presented a unified front post the country's reunification in 1990.

Sammer was chosen as the Player of the Tournament in Germany's successful Euro 1996 campaign and became only the second defender in the history of football to win the Ballon d'Or.

#9 Ronald Koeman

Johan Cruyff's Barcelona of the 1990s, or the "Dream Team" as they are popularly known, was known primarily for its attacking talent. It is only fitting, therefore, that the side's best defensive talent was as explosive as they come.

After brief stints with Groningen and Ajax, Koeman realised his true potential at PSV Eindhoven. He won a treble and domestic double in consecutive years with the Rood-Witten and also played a role in PSV's only European Cup triumph.

The central defender scored an astonishing 51 goals in 98 games for PSV Eindhoven, outscoring most of the strikers in his team. The Dutch defender secured a transfer to Johan Cruyff's Barcelona in 1989 and took Spain by storm.

Koeman was an astute defender and ball-playing centre-back but seemed to enjoy plundering the opposition's goal when the opportunity arose. Koeman played as a centre-back or sweeper in a team boasting the likes of Romario, Michael Laudrup, and Hristo Stoichkov.

Given his proclivity for finding the back of the net in set-piece situations, Koeman was the Catalan team's go-to man for free-kicks and dead-ball situations.

The Dutchman had an impeccable free-kick technique and scored the all-important goal against Sampdoria to win Barcelona its first-ever European Cup.

#8 Alessandro Nesta

AC Milan v Barcelona - UEFA Champions League Quarter Final

If defensive football had to nominate its own Leonardo da Vinci, Alessandro Nesta is one of football history's rare gems that would fit the bill.

Defending is rarely lauded as a beautiful component of the game, but Nesta's ability to elegantly and ethereally caress the ball off a striker's feet was a sight to behold.

Taking the ball off Lionel Messi in his prime is no mean feat, but to do it with a breathtaking tackle at the age of 36 is divine intervention at its very best.

Nesta began his career at Lazio in 1993 and won the captaincy in 1999 at the age of 23, leading the team to a domestic double. The centre-back won three consecutive Serie A Defender of the Year awards from 2000 to 2002.

Nesta signed with AC Milan in the 2002-03 season and made an immediate impact, winning the Champions League in his debut season with the club. The defender would play an integral role in the success of his club and country for the rest of the decade. He lifted the World Cup with Italy in 2006 and won the Champions League yet again the following year.

#7 Cafu

Cafu of Brazil challenges Emre Belgozoglu of Turkey

AC Milan and AS Roma legend Cafu is regarded as one of the best full-backs of all time, and for good reason. The Brazilian began his career with Sao Paulo in stellar fashion, winning the Copa Libertadores in 1992.

He secured a move to AS Roma in 1997 and won his first Serie A title with the Giallorossi in 2001. Cafu was a part of one of the best defensive lines of the 21st century while at AC Milan and won the Champions League with the club in 2007.

The Brazilian's explosive runs down the right flank earned him the nickname "Pendolino", after Italy's express trains. In contrast with many attacking full-backs of his generation, Cafu was an astute defender who could operate effectively anywhere across the pitch.

Cafu's most glorious achievements are with his national team. The right-back played three World Cup finals and lifted the trophy in 1994 and 2002, winning the latter as captain.

#6 Roberto Carlos

Roberto Carlos of Brazil scores the opening goal from a free-kick

With a free-kick technique that would make his Brazilian teammates Ronaldinho and Juninho proud, Roberto Carlos was nothing short of a phenomenon. Carlos was considered one of the most dangerous players of his generation by teammates and opponents alike. The left-back was famous for ripping apart the flanks with his pace and inventive dribbling.

With speed, aggression, and an exceptional set-piece and crossing technique, the Brazilian elevated Real Madrid to extraordinary levels of greatness.

Carlos is considered one of the best left-backs in Real Madrid's storied history. The Brazilian will be remembered for decades to come for his incredible swerving free-kick that stunned the French national team.

Carlos was incredibly successful with Real Madrid, winning four La Liga titles and three UEFA Champions Leagues. With Brazil, Carlos formed a potent partnership with Cafu, terrorising both flanks in Selecao's successful 2002 campaign.

With an impressive trophy cabinet and a string of iconic moments to his name, Roberto Carlos is one of the best defenders of all time.

Edited by Zaid Khan