Top 10 centre-backs of all time

#4 Franco Baresi

Franco Baresi established a quick connect with the Milan faithful

Right up there in the list of the greatest defenders to grace the game of football, is Italian legend Franco Baresi. Marshaling the AC Milan back line for a number of years alongside Paolo Maldini, Baresi quickly shot to recognition as world class centre back.

Despite losing both his parents at a tender age of 16, Baresi's undying love for the game saw him pursue his dreams and become a professional footballer for the Rossoneri. He was a one-club man until the end of his career, and never even considered a move away from the team he held so dearly to his heart.

His tackling ability was second to none, and despite not being overtly verbal, he ensured that his teammates understood what he expected of them and thus set a precedent that continued for years after his retirement.

To credit him for his phenomenal career at the San Siro, AC Milan decided to retire the number 6 jersey that he made famous by wearing for nearly two decades.

#3 Bobby Moore

Bobby Moore remains the only English captain in history to lift the World Cup

The former West Ham United defender seems to have a special connection with fans of the English game. Bobby Moore is, in fact, the only person in history to captain England to a World Cup triumph way back in 1966.

Prior to getting his hands on the Jules Rimet trophy, Moore had already started to overachieve on the domestic circuit as he had been named as the Youngest Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers' Association for his fantastic achievements with West Ham in 1964.

In one of the best FA Cup finals ever, the Hammers, led by 23-year-old Bobby Moore, came back from being a goal down on two occasions before scoring in the dying minutes of injury to seal a memorable 3-2 victory. Moore played his heart out in that game, and motivated his team to fight against all odds and etch their name in English folklore.

Despite being diagnosed with testicular cancer two years prior to winning the World Cup, Moore never let it affect his game. He dealt with numerous personal problems off the field, but once he stepped on it, there was no getting in the way of England's greatest ever defender.