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#3 Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool) | €84.7 million
Regarded as the world's best centre-back till his serious injury early this season, Virgil van Dijk has missed almost the entirety of the 2020-21 campaign.
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Van Dijk's importance to Liverpool cannot be understated. Without the Netherlands international's reassuring presence in their defence this season, Liverpool have struggled to get going and have endured a disappointing season.
A leader at the back, who is renowned for his pace, strength and passing ability, Van Dijk has produced performances for Liverpool that have justified his €84.6 price tag, an amount the Reds paid to Southampton for his services.
The centre-back has won the Premier League and the Champions League with Liverpool and was the PFA Players' Player of the Year as well as the Premier League Player of the Season in the 2018-19 season.
The 29-year old made just eight appearances in all competitions this season before his injury as he looks to return stronger next season.
#2 Matthijs de Ligt (Juventus) | €85.5 million
One of the best young centre-backs in the world, Matthijs de Ligt is regarded as a future superstar of the game.
A product of the Ajax academy, De Ligt was sensational for the club during the 2018-19 season, cementing his place as one of the best young players in the world. Amid interest from Barcelona and Manchester United, the Netherlands international signed for Juventus in 2019.
De Ligt has been a key part of the Juventus backline since his arrival. The 21-year old won the Serie A in his first season at the club. While Juventus have struggled this season, De Ligt's stock has continued to rise. However, it is pertinent that he continues to learn from the likes of Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini.
#1 Harry Maguire (Manchester United) | €87 million
The world's most expensive centre-back, Harry Maguire has been an ever-present in the Manchester United defence since his arrival in 2019 from Leicester City.
Maguire had been linked with Manchester United the season before, but a move failed to materialise. The centre-back was handed the armband a few months after his arrival at Old Trafford, and Maguire has been a solid addition in the United backline.
Strong in the air and a good passer, the England international is prone to occasional errors, but his presence has bolstered the Manchester United defence.
Maguire's fitness has been highly appreciated as well. Before his injury to Aston Villa on Sunday, the 28-year old rarely missed a game for Manchester United. He has already made more than 100 appearances in all competitions for the club in under two seasons.
Also Read: 5 best player-manager relationships in football.
