Ranking the five best defensive units in world football this season

#3 Real Madrid

It is quite impressive how Los Blancos have coped without Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane

As noted earlier, the Spanish giants have conceded only three goals in the Champions League so far this season. That means they currently have the best defense in the European tournament, alongside Bayern Munich.

Los Blancos also have the third-best defensive record in La Liga this term, having allowed 20 strikes into their net in 22 games. How Real Madrid have managed to keep their defensive unit firing is indeed impressive.

The Liga giants lost their favored centre-back pairing, Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane, who left the club last summer. The Spaniard joined Paris Saint-Germain while Varane moved to Manchester United.

In their absence, David Alaba and Eder Militao have stepped up at the heart of the defense, with Ferland Mendy and Nacho complementing them.

#2 Manchester City

The best defensive unit in the Premier League this season

Cityzens have a very solid defense featuring Ruben Dias and Aymeric Laporte at centre-back, with Joao Cancelo on the left and Kyle Walker on the right. These players have kept things tight at the back since the campaign kicked off and are showing no signs of slowing down.

It is indeed incredible that Manchester City have the best defensive record in the Premier League so far this season, conceding just 14 goals in 23 games. It is even more impressive when you remember that Pep Guardiola's men are a pro-attacking team with a free-flowing system.

Meanwhile, Cityzens have let in 10 goals in six Champions League games this term, having faced Paris Saint-Germain, RB Leipzig and Club Brugge.

#1 Liverpool

Led by Van Dijk, Liverpool's defense continues to impress

Liverpool have a strong centre-back pairing of Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip. Moreover, with Trent Alexander-Arnold on the right and Andy Robertson on the left, it is easy to see why the Reds continue to impress at the back. In fact, it wouldn't be far-fetched to say the Reds have the finest defense in the world right now.

So far, Jurgen Klopp's men have conceded 19 goals in 22 Premier League games. That is just one goal above their closest rivals Chelsea, who have played two more games.

The Reds also have one of the best defensive units in the Champions League this season. Despite facing tough opposition such as Atletico Madrid, AC Milan and Porto in the group stage, they conceded just six goals in as many games.

Honorary Mention: Wolverhampton Wanderers - The Wanderers have the second-best defensive record in the Premier League so far this season, conceding just 16 goals in 21 games.