Ranking the 10 best defenders in the world

#4 Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea)

Azpilicueta has had great success with Chelsea over the years

There probably aren’t too many defenders in world football who are as underrated as Azpilicueta. The Spaniard joined Chelsea for just £7 million, making him perhaps one of the best bargains of the past decade. He has spent much of his career as a full back but filled in as a centre back for a couple of years under Antonio Conte, as the Italian implemented a three at the back system at Stamford Bridge.

He perhaps isn’t as highly rated as some other full backs, because he isn’t as adventurous in the opposition’s half, but there is no one better in one-on-one situations than Azpilicueta. Even though Chelsea have spent millions of pounds on defenders over the years, his position in the side has never been in doubt, and he will likely continue to be a key man in Chelsea’s line up for years to come.