Bundesliga 20-21: Ranking the 5 best ball-carriers in the league so far

#3 David Alaba (7905)

The hottest free agent on the market come summer

David Alaba is as versatile as any footballer can get. He can play a variety of roles, ranging from midfield to defense. Under Hansi Flick, he has primarily been deployed as a left-sided centre-back, tasked with instigating attacks from the back.

6pack! We made history! pic.twitter.com/XguULk7EYp

— David Alaba (@David_Alaba) February 11, 2021

The 28-year-old is technically elegant and visually pleasing, although he still has a lot to work on defensively. He isn't too dominant in the air and that does make him a target for the opposition at times but with the ball at his feet, there simply aren't many better than him. From such a defensive position, the Austrian averages an outstanding 1 key pass per game.

#2 Edmond Tapsoda (7994)

Edmond Tapsoda is enjoying the season of his life

Edmond Tapsoda has become a mainstay in Peter Bosz's heavily improved Bayer Leverkusen. Calmness is the word that best defines Tapsoda and whenever he is in possession of the ball, he flaunts his technical skills like not many centre-backs can.

The 22-year-old is a risk-free passer who refuses to break lines unless absolutely necessary. Occasionally, he loves to dribble his way out of trouble and that's where his insane ball-carrying numbers come from. There are a lot of things he can work on defensively but with the ball at his feet, he is as reliable as any.

#1 Mats Hummels (8168)

Hummels: A master ball-playing defender

Mats Hummels is arguably one of the best ball-playing centre-backs football has ever seen. Even though there are question marks over his ability to defend as well as he did during his prime, the German is still going strong when it comes to in-possession stats.

The 32-year-old oozes class with the ball at his feet. Thanks to his giant strides, Hummels can cover ground very quickly and without the opposition even realizing it, he can go from one box to another in a matter of seconds.

Mats Hummels had 19 pressures, 10 successful pressures, 10 clearances, 7 tackles, 5 tackles that won BVB possession, and 6 interceptions against RB Leipzig. All of these stats represent season highs (per @fbref). Damn, @matshummels. 😍 pic.twitter.com/nE5pdUDEiV

— Adam Darowski (@fussballtwit) January 10, 2021

With Borussia Dortmund struggling for form, the Signal Iduna Park outfit will be hoping their veteran centre-back rises to the occasion and gets them Champions League football for next season.