5 of the best centre-backs in Europe this season

#1 Kalidou Koulibaly (SSC Napoli)

As usual, Koulibaly has been a rock for Napoli

Undoubtedly one of the best centre-backs in world football currently, Koulibaly has continued where he left off last season. Despite the exit of Maurizio Sarri and the challenges the team has had adapting to Carlo Ancelotti's tactics, the Senegalese international has kept his standards high.

He is dominant in the air and on the ground. He combines strength with a keenly-tuned sixth sense that helps him sniff danger out. Koulibaly is also a brilliant passer whose presence has freed up the likes of Allan and Piotr Zielinski to attack more.

With their goalie Alex Meret still finding his feet and partners; Raul Albiol and Nikola Maksimovic also struggling, the Senegalese has had to cover for his teammates His passing has setup counter-attacks while his organization has seen the team concede less than it should have.

Like he was under Sarri, Koulibaly has been an ever-present in Ancelotti's team and will be key to the team's Serie A and Europa League pursuits.