Ranking the 10 best defenders in the world

#8 Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

van Dijk is the most expensive defender in history

The most expensive defender in history, and another man who has become one of the top defenders in world football in recent years. Van Dijk has experienced a rather rapid rise to the top in recent years. He initially moved to Britain and Celtic in 2013 for just £2.6 million, and that is where he first made a name for himself before moving on to Southampton in 2015 for £13 million.

It was at Southampton where he really established himself and gained interest from some of the top sides in Europe. He eventually joined Liverpool in January, in a record deal worth £75 million. He has improved the Reds defence and will hope to help his new club end their six year drought for a trophy this season. Unlike Hummels, he has not enjoyed too much success on the international scene, as he is part of one of the weakest generations of Dutch footballers for a long time.