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The centre-back is arguably one of the most important positions in the game, as teams cannot do without it. The role of a centre-back has generally evolved from a traditional no-nonsense defender to a possession-recycling one.
A good centre-back once needed tackling, marking, heading and anticipation ability to influence the game in the defensive third, but things have changed now. Today, most top centre-backs also need vision, passing, a penchant for helping the midfield, and also taking chances at goal when opportunities arise.
Sir Alex Ferguson once said, "Attack wins you games, but defence wins you titles. That is certainly worth listening to, as he won 13 Premier League titles with Manchester United. Defenders like Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand were crucial for United's successful English dominance in Ferguson's era. On the contrary, defensive woes are currently the team's major issue under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
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So far this season, and through much of the year, a few centre-backs have impressed with their brilliance and prowess in the heart of defence. Without further ado, here's a look at the five best centre-backs in the game right now:
#5 Jules Kounde | Sevilla
Pep Guardiola's Manchester City had Jules Kounde as their main target when they looked to bolster their defence. When the deal failed to materialise, City went for Ruben Dias instead. But the Sevilla man has been on the radar of nearly every major club in Europe.
The 22-year-old has grown by leaps and bounds. Chelsea's interest in him has become stronger following his string of impressive performances for Sevilla.
Kounde is notable for his pace and positioning on the field. He can read the game, build attacks from the deep and carry the ball out of the defensive third effortlessly. That explains his current valuation of €80 million.
#4 Eder Militao | Real Madrid
When Sergio Ramos' future hung in the balance and Raphael Varane was close to leaving the Santiago Bernabeu, Eder Militao grabbed his opportunity with both hands. The former Porto star has become the main man in Real Madrid's defence, and his performances haven't gone unnoticed.
Last season, Militao played 21 games for Madrid; this season, the centre-back has already racked up16.
For both Brazil and Real Madrid, Eder Militao has become indispensable. Although he played just 21 games for Los Blancos last season, he committed only 19 fouls.
He's also the third most-effective passer in the Brazil team, completing 175 passes this year, ranking only behind Marquinhos and Fred. There's little reason for the Madrid centre-back to move to another club now. That's because he has become a key man under Carlo Ancelotti.
#3 Marquinhos | PSG
Lionel Messi reuniting with Neymar at PSG has grabbed most headlines. But centre-back Marquinhos continues to be a key player for the club.
Joining the Parisian giants in 2013, the 27-year-old enjoyed a prolific partnership with Thiago Silva. Once his compatriot left the club, Marquinhos evolved into one of the world's best centre-backs.
Thiago Silva was the key centre-back for PSG in recent years. But the star's move to Stamford Bridge paved the way for Marquinhos to assume leadership at the back for PSG. Marquinhos' technical abilities in the attacking and middle third have greatly elevated the Brazilian international to stardom. But his defensive attributes have also been key for PSG on many occasions.
#2 Virgil van Dijk | Liverpool
His early days at Celtic and Southampton saw Virgil van Dijk improve on his defensive abilities and prowess. However, his move to Liverpool catapulted the Dutchman to stardom. He has been brilliant for The Reds, guiding them to a Champions League and Premier League title in successive seasons.
Van Dijk is the prototype of the modern-day centre-back: He's good with the ball at his feet, strong in the tackle and ruthless in marking. He is also blessed with pace and aerial prowess. Liverpool have conceded just 11 goals in as many league games this season. That's mainly due to Van Dijk's defensive leadership and contribution.
#1 Ruben Dias | Manchester City
After Vincent Kompany's departure from Manchester City, the Cityzens were unable to find a key defensive cog until they landed Ruben Dias.
Pep Guardiola shipped off Nicolas Otamendi to Benfica, and brought Dias to City. The centre-back has fit brilliantly into the heart of City's defence, making the Premier League holders look like a complete team.
In his debut season with Manchester City, Dias proved to be the signing of the campaign.
His pace, strength, passing vision and leadership qualities set him apart, helping him win the Premier League Player of the Season award. The centre-back is just 24, which means City have a defensive pillar to rely on for a while.
