Copa America 2021: 5 best defenders in the tournament so far

#3 Eder Militao (Brazil)

Eder Militao

Eder Militao, a crucial cog at Real Madrid during the latter half of the 2020-21 season, has carried that form to Copa America 2021.

Militao has made three appearances at the tournament so far, with Brazil keeping clean sheets in two of those games. In the 1-1 draw against Ecuador, it was Militao who scored Brazil's goal, so it is clear why Brazil manager Tite rates him highly.

🇧🇷 Who scored for Brazil last night? This guy! 👆⚽ @edermilitao#CopaAmérica pic.twitter.com/Jwae0dynKc

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) June 28, 2021

With Sergio Ramos having left Real Madrid and Raphael Varane linked with a move away, Militao could become one of the starting centre-backs for his club next season. Based on his Copa America 2021 form, it would not be a bad decision.

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#2 Cristian Romero (Argentina)

Christian Romero

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni seems to be a firm believer in rotation and has named a different first XI in each of Argentina's four games at Copa America 2021.

Cristian Romero is competing with the likes of Nicolas Otamendi, German Pezzella, Lisandro Martinez and Lucas Martinez Quarta for the centre-back spot. Suffice to say, Romero, who plays for Atalanta, has not disappointed. He has made two appearances at Copa America 2021 so far, with Argentina keeping clean sheets in both games.

Atalanta are convinced to trigger the buy option to sign Cristian Romero from Juventus for €16m. 🇦🇷Romero has been scouted by Manchester United but he's not the main option in the list as CB, at the moment - same as Botman. 🔴 #MUFCMore: Caldara will come back to AC Milan.

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 17, 2021

Romero enjoyed a good season with Atalanta in Serie A, and his form has seen him linked with Manchester United. The 23-year old is extremely talented, and a few more strong performances at Copa America 2021 will only increase his value.

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#1 Marquinhos (Brazil)

Marquinhos

One of the best centre-backs in the game, Marquinhos is once again showing his class and quality at Copa America 2021.

The 27-year-old has blossomed into quite a player at Paris Saint-Germain. Having joined the club in 2013 from Roma, Marquinhos has made 323 appearances in all competitions for the Parisian giants and has impressed as a defensive midfielder as well.

Marquinhos has made three appearances at Copa America 2021 so far and scored in the 3-0 win over Venezuela as well. His leadership ability has also been appreciated.

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