Top 10 centre-backs of all time

#2 Paolo Maldini

Paolo Maldini was elegant and exceptionally consistent defender for Milan

In a nation that is known for its production of defensive talent, very few Italian defenders have come close to matching Paolo Maldini's undisputed skill. Being a rock in the back line for AC Milan, the Italian went on to achieve greatness in his professional career.

The Italy legend represented Milan a remarkable 904 times. He was part of the coveted "Immortals" team of the late 80s and early 90s that comprised of the likes of Frank Rijkaard, Ruud Gullit and Marco van Basten.

Maldini won an astounding 24 honours at club level - in what was an exceptionally trophy-laden career. He won the European Cup/Champions League on no less than five occasions and is regarded as one of the finest defenders to participate amongst Europe's elite.

The former AC Milan defender was extremely versatile and his timing on the challenge was impeccable. With great positional sense and a sharp footballing brain, Maldini looked at home whether he played in his accustomed centre back position or even as a makeshift left-back. For many, he is the greatest defender in footballing history.

#1 Franz Beckenbauer

Franz Beckenbauer was nicknamed Der Kaiser for his style and personality

If it wasn't Maldini, no other centre-back in the history of the game deserves the number one honour more than the greatest German defender of all time, Franz Beckenbauer. The Bayern Munich legend was a leader, a role model, an avid believer in his philosophies, and moreover a complete footballer.

Starting off as a midfielder because of his composure on the ball and ability to dictate play from deep, Beckenbauer slowly converted himself into a Libero - which did in fact, give rise to a new genre of defending in the game of football.

The two-time European Footballer of the Year, Beckenbauer went on to win 103 caps for West Germany and he also appeared in three World Cup finals for them. He was influential in guiding his team to a World Cup triumph in 1974 and achieved the same feat as head coach sixteen years later.

While his reputation may have been tarnished of late due to allegations of corruption which he has blatantly denied, there is no discounting Der Kaiser's abilities as a player. He has already gone down in German history as the greatest centre-back ever to represent the national side, and he is still an active enthusiast in all things football in the country.