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The centre-back role in the game has evolved a lot over the years. Gone are the days when centre-backs were expected to boot the ball out of play; now they are expected to build attacks from the back. While they are expected to be defensively active, centre-backs are also required to be comfortable on the ball.
It was not surprising to see the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Harry Maguire, John Stones and Aymeric Laporte move for big money, while Arsenal's acquisition of Ben White is another sign of what managers want from their central defenders.
Thanks to the evolution of tactics and demands, the game now has several technically gifted centre-backs who excel on the ball. On that note,here's a look at the five best ball-playing centre-backs in the game at the moment:
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#5 Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain)
One of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)'s best players in recent years, Marquinhos is a vital cog for the Ligue 1 giants.
Since joining PSG from AS Roma in 2013 for £28.2 million, Marquinhos has been a consistent performer for the Parisian giants. The Brazil international has established himself as one of the best centre-backs in the world, and is now the captain of the club.
An intelligent player, Marquinhos has often been utilised as a defensive midfielder in recent seasons due to his strong technical ability. The 27-year-old has made 323 appearances in all competitions for the club, and has won six Ligue 1 titles.
#4 John Stones (Manchester City)
A highly-rated talent during his Barnsley days, John Stones became renowned as a ball-playing centre-back during his time with Everton. An excellent passer, Stones is comfortable on the ball.
The England international moved to Manchester City in 2016 for an eye-watering fee of £50 million. While he has not been a consistently strong performer for the club, there is no denying Stones' quality.
Last season was the 27-year old's best with Manchester City. After speculation that he could leave the club last summer, Stones formed a strong centre-back partnership with new arrival Ruben Dias, helping City win the league title. His excellent form was evident during the Euros as well.
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#3 Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Virgil van Dijk is a complete centre-back. Physically and technically gifted, the Netherlands international has been world-class since joining Liverpool.
Despite his unfortunate injury last season, the Dutchman remains one of the best centre-backs in the game. Signed from Southampton in January 2018 for £76 million, van Dijk has been immense under Jurgen Klopp. He played a key role in Liverpool winning the Champions League and Premier League titles in successive seasons.
The 30-year-old suffered a serious injury last October during a game against Everton, and has not played for Liverpool since then. In his absence, the Reds looked defensively fragile, and their Premier League title defence imploded spectacularly before they recovered to finish third.
#2 Harry Maguire (Manchester United)
Eyebrows were raised when Manchester United paid £78.3 million to sign Harry Maguire from Leicester City in 2019, making him the most expensive centre-back in the game.
Maguire has proved to be a good buy, though. The England international is an excellent ball-carrier. And his imposing physical frame, as well as his strong leadership ability, have been key to Manchester United's progress under manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The 28-year-old's fitness levels have been impressive as well. Maguire has been a consistent presence in Manchester United's first XI since his arrival.
However, he was unfortunate to miss out on the Europa League final against Villarreal last season due to injury. His absence was massively felt, as United lost on penalties.
#1 Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus)
Leonardo Bonucci displayed his world-class qualities in Italy's victorious Euro 2020 campaign.
Italy's tradition of producing excellent centre-backs on a consistent basis is well-known, and Bonucci is no different. Renowned for his long, accurate passes, Bonucci has produced consistent performances, and is widely regarded as one of the best centre-backs of the modern generation.
The 34-year-old has made 442 appearances across two spells for Juventus, and has won eight Serie A titles. Bonucci's centre-back partnership with Giorgio Chiellini for both club and country has to go down as one of the best in the game.
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