5 of the best centre-backs in Europe this season

#3 Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus)

Chiellini has been Captain Fantastic for Juve

It has long been said that Italian centre-backs like wine, get better with age. The tradition that has seen brilliant defenders like Alfio Gentile, Franco Baresi, Alessandro Nesta can now claim Chiellini as its latest.

The hawk-nosed Masters' degree holder has continued to be excellent at the heart of the Bianconeri's defence. Re-united with partner-in-crime, Leonardo Bonucci, the 34-year-old has been imperious.

He has never been the fastest player on a football pitch. However, it seems his best qualities; organization, anticipation, man-marking and aerial prowess have gotten even better this season.

With the exit of Gianluigi Buffon, he has taken over as team captain, a role he has fulfilled diligently. La Vecchia Signora is well on its way to an 8th consecutive Scudetto thanks to having the best defence in the land.

He has been the lynchpin on which a lot of the 1-0 wins have been built on. Juve fans will be hoping that solidity extends all the way to the UCL final.