Top 5 defenders in the world at the moment

Modified Nov 06, 2019 13:23 GMT

Defenders often do not get the recognition that they deserve

#2 Kalidou Koulibaly - SSC Napoli

"I think Koulibaly’s value is £250 million if they paid that much for that guy," said president Aurelio de Laurentiis after Manchester United spent £80 million on centre-back Harry Maguire this summer window.

Laurentiis and Ancelotti have both made clear that Kalidou Koulibaly is the man they would least like to lose, and as of now, Napoli have kept hold of one of the best centre-backs in the world. It is easy to see why the Senegalese international is rated so highly.

Standing at almost 6'4", Koulibaly is a force of nature. This season, he has won almost 3 aerial duels a game while completing just around 90% of his passes in Serie A. In the Champions League, his stats are even better - he is averaging 3 tackles won and 2 interceptions per game, alongside 1.5 blocks.

Koulibaly loves to get into tackles, and at the same time, he is strong in possession and his physical prowess makes it very tough for any forward to get past him. Although Napoli have not had the best of starts in Serie A this season, this Senegalese defender has been as consistent as ever.

One of the best defenders in a league historically known for producing some of the finest players in his position in the modern era, Koulibaly could be one of the most sought after players next summer and any team that gets him will have added a tank at the back.

Edited by Vishal Subramanian