5 of the greatest centre-backs of all time

#1 Franz Beckenbauer (Germany)

The undisputed G.O.A.T of all

centre-backs

Major Clubs: Bayern Munich, SV Hamburg

There was no way that any other player was going to be atop this list apart from the man who was so good, he was nicknamed "Der Kaiser" (The Emperor).

Elegant, classy with a technical understanding of football years ahead of his time, Beckenbauer recreated the role of the "libero" and today's ball-playing centre-backs have him to thank for their understanding of the position (Pique, John Stones among others).

Defending in the early part of the 19th century had been more about grit and brute strength, technically gifted players were expected to play further forward.

This was in keeping with the safety-first mentality of that era which saw defending as being all about stopping the opponents from scoring and nothing else.

Beckenbauer's refusal to be pigeon-holed was a sight to see; his carrying of the ball out of defence towards the opposition's goal, calmness and classy distribution of the ball won him many admirers.

He was the captain, leader, and inspiration behind the great Bayern Munich team which won three consecutive European Cups (UEFA Champions League) between 1974-1976, he won 14 major trophies during his club career in Bavaria and Hamburg.

He was just as successful for Die Mannschaft in what is the team's most successful era till date winning the World Cup in 1974 (on home soil) and the 1972 European Championship hosted by Belgium.

Alongside Brazilian great Mario Zagallo, he remains the only man to have won the World Cup as player and coach.

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