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#3 Luka Modric - £9 Million
Luka Modric has been one of the most consistent players for Real Madrid in the present millennium. He first shone in the Croatian league and then for Tottenham Hotspur, where his midfield prowess was there for everyone to witness.
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Real Madrid were the quickest to get their man in 2012, and the Croatian is all set to complete a decade for 'Los Blancos.'
The 36-year-old has more than six months left on his existing contract, which is a significant factor in his low market valuation. However, he has been a regular in the Real Madrid side this season and has already racked up more than 1300 minutes of game time.
It is to be seen what Modric decides for his future, but he has his quality intact. He has won several trophies with the Madrid-based club in the past, along with major individual honors like the 2018 Ballon D'Or.
#2 Giorgio Chiellini - £1.35 Million
Earlier in the year, Italy had an incredible Euro campaign where they went all the way. One of the biggest reasons for success was the solid defensive pairing that kept things water-tight at the back. The veteran Giorgio Chiellini gave a lesson or two about the fact that age is nothing but a number. At 37 years of age, Chiellini exhibits no signs of slowing down.
Although Chiellini has become injury-prone with his increasing age, his defensive acumen remains top-notch. He has already played over 750 minutes for Juventus this season.
Despite having a contract until June 30, 2023, Chiellini's market value has declined. But Chiellini remains a highly reliable defender, as he has been over the years. He has been a hero of many battles for both club and country as Chiellini has won major tournaments for both in the past.
#1 Thiago Silva - £2.70 Million
Brazil is traditionally known for producing magnificent attacking talents like Pele, Ronaldo Nazario, and Ronaldinho. However, it also produces excellent defensive talents from time to time, and one such example is Thiago Silva.
The Brazilian centre-back is not a typically big-bodied defender, which is the more common type. But he has no lack of strength and power and is equally good in the air. Additionally, Silva is highly vocal and helps to marshal the defense, which is very important for any great defense.
SIlva's low market value has more to do with his age and the little remaining time he has left on his Chelsea contract. But signs are clear that Thiago Silva will be signing a new contract extension very soon. It's no surprise that, even at 37 years of age, Silva is an important figure in Chelsea and Thomas Tuchel's tactics.
In his short stay at Stamford Bridge, he has already added the prestigious Champions League title. It adds to the vast number of trophies Silva won at PSG and the Serie A he won for AC Milan.
