Right back - Hector Bellerin
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Since making his Arsenal debut away at Borussia Dortmund, in 2014, Hector Bellerin has improved exponentially. While it was obvious that he possessed great pace and attacking dynamism, his overall game has significantly developed over the last two years.
On the attack, Bellerin is not just about speed. He has impressive ball control and is not afraid of pulling up a few tricks to run past the opposition. Another important aspect is his willingness to cut inside if the right winger is already stationed wide. He is calm and composed in possession and more often than not makes the right pass.
His defensive side has also developed a lot as he played more often in the first team. In his first few months, Bellerin was uncertain of his positioning on some occasion but now he is a fine defender. Rarely, you will see the opposition are able to go past him.
And then there is the odd occasion when the Spaniard’s tackling becomes vital for Arsenal. Bellerin’s speed allows him to act as something of a sweeper in the central position, a quality that is not very common among full-backs. The 21-year-old still has a long way to go, but if he keeps his head down then by 2020 he will be one of the most accomplished full-backs in the world.
Honourable Mention: Dani Carvajal
Centre back - Raphael Varane
The biggest aspect of Raphael Varane’s game is that you always notice his influence on the field. His qualities have been evident from an early age when he played for Lens. At Madrid, playing alongside the likes of Sergio Ramos and Pepe, he has developed a lot in the last few years.
Varane is incredibly dominant in the air. He is fearless and strong in the tackle and is always the first one to react and recover. What differentiates him from other talented youngsters is his intelligence, game-reading and composure. However, he is still prone to lapses in concentration, that leave him out of position or vulnerably flat-footed. But this will change with time.
The Frenchman’s impeccable decision-making already makes him a very accomplished defender as he is able to stamp out attacks without having to go in for a tackle and dominate attackers without a statistical trail.
In modern football, it is very important to have a ball-playing centre-back and Varane is perfect for that. He loves to go forward with the ball, gaining ground for his team and making quick but accurate forward passes. This is what sets the 23-year-old apart from the rest and in three years he will be dominating the best attackers of the world.
Honourable Mention: Marquinhos
Centre back - Daniele Rugani
The fact that Daniele Rugani is seen as the future of Italian defence speaks volumes of his abilities. Although the 21-year-old seldom plays in the first team at Juventus, he is considered as a vital player. After coming through the ranks at Empoli, his progress has somewhat stalled but it’s only a matter of time before he secures a first team spot.
He is the perfect graceful defender, excellent with his feet. The Italian also possesses a high intellect when it comes to football. An aggressive tackler, Rugani does not shy away from tough challenges whilst also having the ability to avoid unnecessary tackles. For someone so young, he has shown immense tenacity and maturity.
Rugani often deals with threats by relying on his positioning rather than rushing into a challenge. Standing at 6’3”, he cuts an imposing figure at the heart of the defence and is a major aerial presence. Very much like Varane, he has the ability to keep the ball, thus making him a complete defender.
Although, not the fastest on the field he more than makes up for it by his match reading and ability to anticipate threats. In three years, Rugani might just develop into the talent that he has shown signs of so many times.
Honourable Mention: Kurt Zouma
Left back - David Alaba
David Alaba is arguably the archetypal modern player. He is technically sound and equally comfortable anywhere on the pitch. His versatility and immense maturity have helped him become one of the best full-backs in the world already.
The Austrian full-back combines intelligence with power and technical ability in a way that few others have done. The fact that he is strong and fast helps him thrive in his role as a defender. With the ability to recover quickly from any mistake, makes his defensive side as strong as it gets.
Going forward, he is a threat to the opposition. He can cross with his left foot and at the same time can cut in and take a shot with his right. Despite surging forward at extreme speeds, he is a player of pauses – Alaba will deliberate, scan and survey, wait for a teammate to arrive before making the move.
He is a living paradox – moving, and thinking ever so fast and yet the entire game around him develops so slowly. At 24, he is more accomplished than all of his contemporaries and as with all phenoms, you still get the feeling that the best is yet to come. By 2020, he will be dominating the best defender in the world debates.
Honourable Mention: Layvin Kurzawa
