Top 10 centre-backs of all time

#6 Daniel Passarella

Daniel Passarella

Argentine legend Daniel Passarella, much like Ronald Koeman, was a defender who loved finding the back of the net. Before Koeman's arrival on the European stage, it was Passarella who was regarded as the best goal-scoring centre-backs of all time, and with good reason.

In 556 league matches throughout his illustrious career, the former Argentina international recorded a stellar 182 goals. A menace in the air and a steadfast soldier on the field, Passarella had all the attributes every top centre back should possess.

After winning numerous honours with River Plate, Passarella chose to give it a go on the European front and moved to the Italian side Fiorentina and then joined Inter Milan. However, after six seasons in Italy, he returned to Argentina where he hung his playing boots after the second stint at River.

#5 Gaetano Scirea

Gaetano Scirea (L) competed against top players in the world such as Diego Maradona

Gaetano Scirea was part of the world-class Juventus side of the 1980s. Due to his glorious performances for the Old Lady, Italian fans quickly began to take note of his abilities and gave him the status of a cult hero.

Even today, purists of the game regard him as one of the greatest defenders Italy has ever produced. He sits atop the standings along with some legendary figures such as Franco Baresi and Paolo Maldini.

The Juventus legend was an extremely elegant defender and seldom committed fouls or saw himself on the receiving end of criticism from the opposition fans. A true professional in every sense of the word, Scirea rose from the Juventus academy to not only achieve legendary status at his club, but he also did a phenomenal job for the national side, winning the World Cup in 1982.