Ranking the 5 best centre-backs of 2021

#3 Marquinhos (Brazil/Paris Saint-Germain)

Manchester City v Paris Saint-Germain: Group A - UEFA Champions League

Marquinhos has been a mainstay in Paris Saint-Germain's lineup since 2013. He has been immense for the Ligue 1 giants and is one of the most technically proficient defenders in the world. Marquinhos is so good with the ball at his feet that he can play in midfield quite easily.

He is also a guaranteed starter for Brazil on the international circuit. The 27-year-old is excellent at making recoveries. In addition to being a very effective tackler, Marquinhos is pretty good at aerial duels despite being just 1.83 meters tall.

He doesn't mind putting his body in harm's way and is great at making blocks in the final third. Marquinhos also chips in with a fair amount of goals and is a constant threat from set-pieces thanks to his aerial ability. He is a tough cookie to crack and getting beyond him is an extremely difficult task.

#2 Antonio Rudiger (Germany/Chelsea)

Chelsea v Leeds United - Premier League

Antonio Rudiger is an absolute warrior on the football pitch. After becoming a peripheral figure at Chelsea during Frank Lampard's managerial reign, Rudiger has resurrected his career under Thomas Tuchel.

Rudiger has been unerring in his performances and has showcased plenty of passion and aggression for Chelsea under Tuchel. His exploits were crucial to Chelsea's Champions League triumph in the 2020-21 season.

Rudiger is one of the fastest centre-backs in the world and is an aggressive tackler as well. He also excels at aerial duels and the German international has won a lot of praise for his mentality.

The 28-year-old's current contract expires next summer. Chelsea are keen to extend it but an agreement hasn't been reached yet. This makes Rudiger one of the most sought-after centre-backs in the world right now.

#1 Ruben Dias (Portugal/Manchester City)

Liverpool v Manchester City - Premier League

Manchester City signed Ruben Dias from Benfica in the summer of 2020 for an initial fee of €56 million. There was an argument that the Cityzens had overpaid for the youngster. But it didn't take long for Dias to put all such concerns to rest.

Dias' maturity on the pitch belies his age. He has been a calming presence at the back for Manchester City and has been able to strike up a wonderful partnership with John Stones at the back. His exploits were crucial to Manchester City winning their third Premier League title in four years in the 2020-21 season.

2021 has been a breakout year for the Portuguese international. Not only is he a strong tackler and wonderful passer of the ball, he also possesses great spatial awareness and is excellent at aerial duels.

Dias is two footed and is thus very comfortable in possession. He doesn't rush into tackles and is excellent at making last-ditch challenges when the need arises. Dias has undoubtedly been the best centre-back of 2021.