Top 10 defenders in the world in the 2020-21 season

#3 John Stones (Manchester City)

John Stones proved his worth to Manchester City again

Talk about redemption. John Stones appeared to be finished at the top, and no one expected him to have a future at the club. Nevertheless, the Manchester City centre-back scripted a fairy-tale renaissance and re-established himself among the best players in his position.

🏆 John Stones 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 pic.twitter.com/tsA6c6mc58

— Man City Report (@cityreport_) May 23, 2021

The arrival of Ruben Dias helped, too, as the former Everton defender significantly improved with the Portuguese by his side and forged an impeccable partnership with him. Stones can still make the odd mistake, but following a stellar campaign, he has won the trust of his manager again.

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#2 Achraf Hakimi (Inter Milan)

Hakimi has been a bang for Inter's buck.

Some people may not agree with Achraf Hakimi being ranked so high up the list, but a closer look at his stats will reveal that the Moroccan is redefining the role of a wing-back.

Achraf Hakimi makes it clear. He wants to stay at Inter - despite rumours about Bayern and Arsenal, he’s not planning to leave the club this summer. 🔵🇲🇦 #Hakimi #transfers [📸 @dazn_it] pic.twitter.com/gSN6D9VlF9

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 23, 2021

With seven goals and ten assists, Hakimi was the most prolific full-back in Europe's top five leagues, bringing a new dimension to Inter Milan's attack and playing a key role in their Scudetto success.

Suffice to say, he was an absolute steal at £36 million.

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#1 Ruben Dias (Manchester City)

Ruben Dias has undoubtedly been the Premier League's signing of the season.

After splurging more than £400 million on defenders, Manchester City appeared to have finally discovered the solution to all their defensive woes in Ruben Dias. He has been a transformative signing, without whom City's Premier League success wouldn't have been easy.

The Portuguese defender beefed up the City backline so much that the Sky Blues conceded less than a goal-per-game after his arrival. His excellent reading of the game and tough tackling gave the EPL's most formidable strikers a run for their money.

Ruben Dias is thrilled to have been voted Manchester City's Player of the Year 😊His trophy case is already impressive after less than a calendar year in England 🏆 pic.twitter.com/TNotofyLFm

— Goal (@goal) May 25, 2021

If he continues in the same vein, Dias could be a permanent fixture in the XI for years to come. He has already proved his credentials by clinching the FWA Football of the Year award.