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The art of defending has evolved over the years. The demands from footballers have increased in recent years and defenders, in particular, have had to adapt.
Centre-backs are no longer expected to boot the ball out of the stadium. Composure on the ball is a pre-requisite, as managers expect attacks to be built from the back. Over the years, there has been no shortage of world-class centre-backs, who have transformed the position with their style of play.
On that note, we look at the 5 greatest centre-backs of all time.
#5 Alessandro Nesta
Italy's tradition of producing great defenders has been well-covered, and Alessandro Nesta was one of the best to have played the game.
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Nesta began his career with Lazio, making 261 appearances in all competitions for the side and winning Serie A once. An elegant centre-back, Nesta was renowned for his defensive discipline and his intelligent style of play, and produced consistent performances throughout his career.
The Italy international joined AC Milan from Lazio in 2002 and made 326 appearances in all competitions for the Rossoneri. He won the Serie A and the Champions League twice with AC Milan. He was crowned the Serie A Defender of the Year four times. Nesta was part of the Italy side which won the FIFA World Cup in 2006 as well.
#4 Sergio Ramos
A modern-day great, Sergio Ramos is acknowledged as the best centre-back of his generation.
It is hard to argue once one takes a look at Ramos' incredible career and his overflowing trophy cabinet. A right-back during his Sevilla days, Ramos was converted into a centre-back at Real Madrid. He became a talismanic figure for Los Blancos, with his aggressive style of play and his leadership ability crucial to Real Madrid's success.
In 671 appearances in all competitions for Real Madrid, the Spain international scored an astounding 101 goals. He won five La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies with the club, while with the Spain national team he won two European Championships and the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The 35-year old departed Real Madrid this summer and has joined Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer.
#3 Fabio Cannavaro
One of three defenders to have won the Ballon d'Or, Fabio Cannavaro enjoyed a storied career at the very top.
An intelligent centre-back, Cannavaro was a physically and technically gifted player who excelled for both club and country. In 2006, Cannavaro captained Italy to victory in the FIFA World Cup and won the Ballon d'Or that year due to his world-class performances.
At club level, Cannavaro represented top European clubs like Juventus and Real Madrid, although he spent much of his playing career with Parma. The Italian retired in 2011 and is currently the manager of Chinese club Guangzhou.
#2 Franco Baresi
It is not surprising to see Italians dominate this list, with Franco Baresi another one of Italy's finest.
A one-club man, Baresi spent his entire career representing AC Milan. He made his debut in 1977, and made 719 appearances during his 20 years with the club. Baresi won six Serie A titles and three Champions League trophies with AC Milan, and is regarded as one of the Rossoneri's greatest.
With Italy, Baresi won the FIFA World Cup in 1982. His brother, Giuseppe, spent much of his playing career with Inter Milan, and also played for the Italy national team.
#1 Franz Beckenbauer
Nicknamed "Der Kaiser", Franz Beckenbauer is regarded as one of football's greatest ever players.
An elegant player, Beckenbauer was a dominant centre-back who often operated as a libero. An iconic figure, Beckenbauer spent much of his career with Bayern Munich, where he won four Bundesliga titles and three European Cups.
At international level, Beckenbauer won the European Championship and the World Cup with West Germany. He won the Ballon d'Or twice during his career and remains the only defender to do so. As manager, he won the World Cup with West Germany, Ligue 1 with Marseille and the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich.
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