European Team of the Year for 2016/17: Do Ronaldo and Messi make the cut?

Centre-Backs

Toby Alderweireld

Although goalkeepers take home awards for keeping the most number of clean sheets, the defence in front of them also deserves a lot of credit. Looking around the top five leagues, the teams with the best defensive records were Bayern Munich, PSG, Tottenham Hotspur, Juventus and Atletico Madrid.

But on an individual level, it was Toby Alderweireld who stood out without actually doing so. The Belgian defender quietly went about his business making 41 tackles and26 interceptions in the league this season. He also won 87 aerial duels as Spurs conceded only 26 goals this season.

Leonardo Bonucci

Alongside him in this team is another Juventus player – Leonardo Bonucci. Whether it was a back-three or a back-four, Bonucci was the constant in central defence. Giorgio Chiellini could also have had a shout but Bonucci has had a better season, even in attack with his passing range creating 10 chances for the Italian champions this season.