5 of the greatest centre-backs of all time

#2 Franco Baresi (Italy)

An amazing player, Baresi was a marvel to behold

Major Club Played For: AC Milan

If Cannavaro is one of the greatest Italian centre-backs of all time, there will be little arguments when Franco Baresi's name is put forward as the best defender in the long and storied history of Italian and world football.

A defender ahead of his time, he combined the traditional immaculate sense of tackling, grit, and strength with a nuanced style of possession, shielding of the ball and uncanny sense of positioning.

Baresi was like the perfect hybrid of Spain's 2010 World Cup winning centre-back pairing of Ramos and Gerard Pique.

He had Ramos' devilry, ability to win aerial balls and an understated mean streak which meant he was not to be trifled with. This he combined with a sense of positioning, immaculate shielding of the ball and passing abilities that Pique would be proud of.

His performance against Brazil in the 1994 World Cup final has become legendary as he displayed his full repertoire of skills to thwart Romario, Bebeto, and co. This was despite the fact that he had missed a huge chunk of the tournament due to an injury.

A serial winner with his one and only club, he played alongside other legendary defenders like Paolo Maldini, Alberto Corstacuta, Marcel Desailly, Mauro Tassotti and won 17 titles at club level though he was unlucky at the national level.