Creating the strongest defensive back-line in world football right now

Centre Back - Virgil Van Dijk (Liverpool)

The commanding Virgil Van Dijk

Such has been the impact of Virgil van Dijk that it is now impossible to not mention him in a top defenders piece. The UEFA Champions League Defender of the Year, Van Dijk has elevated the Liverpool backline with his concentration and physical style of play. Van Dijk was also named English Premier League Player of the Year. Van Dijk has taken a longish route to the top.

The centre-back began his career in his home country and played for Groningen before leaving for Celtic. His strong performances saw him linked to many Premier League clubs before eventually signing for Southampton in 2016. He moved to Liverpool in 2018 and has had great success, transforming himself from a good defender to possibly the best in the world.

Technically proficient and quick, Van Dijk starts usually on the left side of defence but Laporte is more natural at left-centre-back meaning Van Dijk appears on the right for our defence. Van Dijk is also a vocal presence at the back making him effective at a mental level as well.

Van Dijk is very mobile often carrying the ball and his towering stature makes him a great threat at set-pieces. The brilliant positional sense of Laporte and Van Dijk and the flexibility of either player allow for a fluid central defence. The players can take turns carrying the ball and cover effectively for the other while forming a wall at the back with their aggressive and focused style.