The 10 best center-backs in the world right now

#6 SAMUEL UMTITI (BARCELONA)

Umtiti won the World Cup with France.

Umtiti was an unknown figure before summer 2016, but it didn’t take long for the French defender to become a popular name in football. On his International debut against Iceland in the European Championship, he produced a flawless display of defending which saw him move to Barcelona from Lyon in that year.

He is not the tallest in the field, but he makes up for his lack of height with is mobility and awareness about the looming danger. Umtiti is also a good passer and a ball-carrier from the backline. He was instrumental in France's triumph at the World Cup in Russia.

#5 KALIDOU KOULIBALY (NAPOLI)

Koulibaly is one of the bright prospects in Europe at the moment.

Jorginho may have left for Chelsea in the summer, but they will be delighted to keep the rest of their squad intact. Koulibaly is the man they would not want to lose, with the Senegal international proving in 2017/18 that he deserves to be among the very best in his position.

A commanding, well-built figure who’s difficult to shrug off of either in the air or a foot race, Koulibaly is rarely dominated by opposition strikers. He is more impressive with the ball in his feet and a great passer who always manages to keep his composure in possession.