Ranking top 5 La Liga Defenders (August 2021)

#3 Pau Torres | Villarreal

Villarreal CF v Manchester United - UEFA Europa League Final

The left-footed centre-back has been one of the standout defenders for Villarreal in La Liga. In a season where Villarreal finished 7th, Torres had a solid display all throughout the season, eventually helping them win the Europa League last season. He's one of those no-nonsense defenders who likes to clear the ball out of defense. He's good at reading the game to make interceptions.

😴 Pau Torres' appearances in 2020/21:🇪🇸 La Liga - 33🇪🇸 Copa del Rey - 2🇪🇺 Europa League - 9🇪🇺 UEFA Nations League - 6🇪🇺 #EURO2020 - 4🇪🇺 International friendlies - 1🤯 And now he's been included in Spain's squad for the Tokyo Olympics. Going to need a long break! pic.twitter.com/UAUgn1JhNO

— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) June 29, 2021

But what differentiates him from the rest of the upcoming defenders is his amazing ability on the ball. He is able to spray long balls across the field with his wand of a left foot. With 4.5 long balls per game and an overall pass accuracy of 87.8%, Torres is comfortable in playing out from the back. That's insane accuracy for defenders. He is an offensive threat at 6'3", scoring crucial goals for club and country. No wonder clubs like Real Madrid and Manchester United are interested in his services.

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#2 Stefan Savic | Atletico Madrid

Granada CF v Atletico de Madrid - La Liga Santander

The ever-reliable Stefan Savic was a rock at the back for Atletico Madrid last season. Diego Simeone's side are known for defensive solidity and the Montenegro international was at the heart of La Liga's best defense. His numbers speak for themselves. With 3.7 clearances, 1.3 interceptions and 1.2 tackles per game in La Liga, Savic was a consistent figure at the back.

With a host of big name defenders in the league over the years, Savic has been one of the most underrated players in the league. He had a huge task to step up in the absence of Diego Godin, and step up he did. He is a leader at the back, marshaling defenders like Gimenez and Hermoso. With the likes of Ramos and Varane leaving the league, this could be his time to shine.

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#1 Jules Kounde | Sevilla

Sevilla FC v Athletic Club - La Liga Santander

Probably one of the hottest properties in Europe, Jules Kounde has been a revelation in La Liga. He's had many eye-catching displays for Sevilla over the last two seasons, especially his performance in the Europa League final in 2020. This season, he's only grown from strength to strength. Under Lopetegui, he's displayed his abilities for Sevilla and was awarded La Liga defender of the season.

Jules Kounde for Sevilla Last Season:⚬ Most Passes Played into the Final Third [165]⚬ Most Aerial Duels Won [118]⚬ Most Ball Recoveries [312]⚬ Most Interceptions [42]⚬ 2nd Most Clearances [140]⚬ 2nd Most Progressive Passes [141]⚬ 2nd Best Pressing Success [45.5%] pic.twitter.com/SodaW7oTLf

— Nouman (@nomifooty) July 27, 2021

At 22, Kounde possesses all the attributes seen in top-class defenders. He's blessed with pace, strength, passing, and surprisingly good aerial ability. And with age on his side, he has a huge ceiling as well. He's yet to feature prominently for a well stacked French national side. But with time he will surely cement his place as a regular starter. A host of clubs have been in for him this season and Chelsea are closing in on a move for him.