How often have we heard over the years that defending is a dying art? There was a time when forwards would be over the moon with a goal-scoring ratio of a goal every two games. Luis Ronaldo stunned the world with his 47 goal haul for Barcelona in the 96-97 season. He was a phenomenon, an anomaly. A 20 goal a season striker was considered immensely hard to get, a player like that could win you the league.
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Times are different now, scoring records are being shattered across Europe and we’re having to get used to the best players in the world scoring more goals than games played, a truly mind-bending reality that we’re still growing accustomed too. Luis Suarez got 40 goals in 35 games, Cristiano Ronaldo bagged 51 in 48 games in all competitions and Gonzalo Higuain banged 36 in 35 in Serie A and broke a 67-year-old record in the process. Lewandowski and Aubameyang were almost as prolific and the list goes on.
In the times of these unreal goal ratios, world class defenders are much more difficult to find. Even in today's inflated market, the prices quoted for young defenders like John Stones and Marquinhos to interested clubs are above 50 million euro mark, truly enormous sums. They’re both young talented players, but it’s clear that the paucity of good defenders has led to an immense inflation in their market values.
So with all the focus on the forwards and their scoring exploits, and the swagger of the modern day midfielders who can seemingly do it all, our focus is going to be on the defenders who stand tall in a game that is increasingly attacking and open.
These players have learnt to saunter out of the defense with the ball at the feet and harry down an elusive opponent in equal measure, and when the top European nations battle it out in Euro 2016, they’ll be organizing and commanding their defenses and making sure their team has a solid foundation to have a real shot at winning the tournament.
Here is the list of the top 10 defenders on display in Euro 2016:
#10 Jose Fonte (Portugal)
With the focus on the scoring exploits of Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal’s upcoming midfield stars like Andre Gomes and Renato Sanches, Jose Fonte will quietly go about marshaling the Portuguese defense.
Fonte has had a good season at Southampton, and at 32 years old he might not have many international tournaments ahead of him so he will be determined to make this opportunity count.
#9 Stephan Lichtsteiner (Switzerland)
The Swiss right-back has just completed five seasons with Juventus, and even though he has spent the last year rotating with Juan Cuadrado, he remains integral to the Italian champions backline.
An even more critical part of the Switzerland setup, Lichsteiner’s stamina is one of the best in the game. He would often find himself at the end of Andrea Pirlo’s long balls from midfield, a testament to his attacking impetus. Whenever the play would break up, you’d see him instantly lined up in defense again and marvel at his tirelessness.
#8 Sime Vrsaljko (Croatia)
Currently chased by Manchester City, Napoli, Atletico Madrid and Juventus, Sassuolo will find it almost impossible to hang onto him in the summer, and expect him to capture the attention of more of Europe’s top clubs in the European Championships.
He’s impressive with the ball at his feet, and put in 217 crosses in Serie A, third in the league among players in all positions.
#7 Toby Alderweireld (Belgium)
The responsibility on the shoulders of the Spurs center back has only increased with Vincent Kompany’s injury withdrawal from Euro 2016 but expect Alderweireld to accept the challenge unfazed. He’s had two brilliant seasons in the Premier League and is an accomplished a central defender as any.
Belgium have the squad to win the Euros, and how well Alderweireld marshalls their defense will be imperative in determining their chances of taking home the trophy.
#6 Elseid Hysaj (Albania)
Hysaj holds the record for being involved in the second most expensive transfer move for an Albanian international for his move to Napoli from Empoli. He was one of the two players Maurizio Sarri brought with him to Naples and while the other, Mirko Valdifiori found himself on the fringes, Hysaj has been one of the pillars in Napoli’s brilliant campaign.
Excellent in defense, he rarely loses one on one battles and his forays down the right wing have led to several excellent crosses for Higuain and company. While Albania might not go too far, expect Hysaj to capture the attention of a line of European clubs in the Euros.
#5 Juanfran (Spain)
It’s been a tumultuous last few days for the Atletico Madrid right back. In an amazing campaign, his team reached the Champions League final for the 2nd time in 3 years after a league campaign in which they made their fans more than proud. He was the only player who missed the penalty in the shootout and must be shattered but its well within his character to recover and help Spain make a victorious run in the competition.
Tenacious, Tireless and more than a decent crosser, he’s made the Spain right-back position his own. No easy feat, considering he has had the likes of Carvajal and Bellerin to compete with.
#4 Mats Hummels (Germany)
Mats Hummels has been one of the most sought after central defenders for years. His transfer to Bayern will have annoyed many Dortmund fans, but expect him to turn up undistracted for Die Mannschaft, hoping he recovers in time for Germany’s second group match.
Elegant on the ball, there is a joy in watching him play and he was on the shortlist for the 2014 World Cup Golden Ball. Expect him to impress again at the heart of a strong German team.
#3 David Alaba (Austria)
In Bayern’s ‘Galactico’ squad, the fact that David Alaba is one of the first names on the teamsheet says a lot about his talents as a footballer.
Versatile, quick, more than technically proficient Alaba has firmly established himself as one of the best left-backs in the game. He can play in a back 3, bursts up and down in his natural position as a left back whilst also possessing the ability to play in midfield as he does for his national team. Voted Austrian footballer of the year a stunning 5 times, it’s fair to say that a nation’s hopes rest on him.
#2 Sergio Ramos (Spain)
There was a time when Ramos was beginning to be known more for his prolific accumulation of red cards than his ability as a defender but that time is now long in the past.
Fierce and uncompromising in the tackle, his reckless halting of Yannick Carrasco would have infuriated Atletico fans, but might have won Madrid the title. He seems to have got better with age, and with 2 Champions league titles in the last 3 years and goals in both the finals, his contribution has been invaluable. Expect him to shine.
#1 Leonardo Bonucci (Italy)
Pep Guardiola recently called him one of his ‘favourite ever players’. From the man who has reshaped modern day football and won a plethora of titles, that is high praise indeed.
Bonucci has had a fantastic season for Juventus, and his ability to ping long balls from deep in his own half with almost Andrea Pirlo like accuracy is a brilliant asset. Italy have a radically injury-hit squad, but if they manage to impress, expect Bonucci to be at the heart of a solid defense.
