5 expensive defenders who succeeded

#2. Lilian Thuram (Parma - Juventus)

Thuram's signature was a success for Juv

Transfers involving huge fees are rarely brokered in the Serie A, but when they do, it clearly states that the players were important, and this was the case for Thuram when joining Juventus.

The Old Lady's sale of Zinedine Zidane for a World record fee at the time (€73.5m) in 2001 created finances at the club allowing the club to go on a spending spree. This spending spree let Juventus to signing Thuram for €30m and Buffon €45m, two quality signings from Parma.

The France international was known for his versatility at the back, in which he could play as a central defender or as a full-back. Naturally, he settled into the team quickly and featured more at right back. At right back, Thuram became one of the best in his playing days. Thuram's strength, power and ability to time his challenge allowed him become key to Juventus as they triumphed in Italy.

In six years at the club, Thuram played 144 matches scoring one goal and won four trophies, including two Serie A titles before sealing a move to Barcelona in the summer of 2006. Thuram was huge success during his time at Juventus and was worth every penny paid.