Top 5 most valuable centre-backs in the world right now

Being a defender is a tough job in modern day football. You are expected to be fast paced and good at set-pieces. Also, defenders are expected to come a bit forward and support in attack and at the same time be disciplined. Yet, whilst we expect so much from defenders, they are the most undervalued and underappreciated in the game.

The role of centre-backs is very different from full backs. While fullbacks are expected to be pacey and support in attack by putting in crosses, centre-backs are expected to be more disciplined.

They are actually proper defenders who should be good at tackling and stopping crosses from reaching the attackers. So as I mentioned earlier, in the modern game, it is a very tough job to be a centre back.

In this list, we look at the 5 most valuable centre-backs in world football right now and what makes them so valuable.

All the values have been taken from www.transfermarkt.com.

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#5 Marquinhos and John Stones (55 Million Euros)

Both Marquinhos and John Stones are valued at €55 million.

Marquinhos

Marquinhos is 24 years old and currently plays as a centre back for PSG. He generally plays as a right centre back and is expected to fill in the boots of Thiago Silva for Brazil. Being 183 meters tall, Marquinhos is good at stopping crosses and is a very strong passer of the ball. His game does not have any significant weaknesses.

Stats: In a total of 23 matches, Marquinhos has had a pass accuracy of 93% for PSG. He has been involved in 6 defensive actions on an average per game. Over the course of the season, he has made 2 defensive errors in total and has created 3 chances for his team to score goals.

Stones was a regular starter for England at the World cup.

John Stones

Stones is also 24 years old and currently plays as a centre back for Manchester City. He is 188 meters tall and was a regular starter for England at the world cup. John Stones is also a strong passer of the ball. He, however, needs to improve his concentration and tackling to become better.

Stats: In a total of 18 matches in the EPL, John stones had a pass accuracy of 96%. On an average, he was involved in 4 defensive actions per game and made 0 defensive errors over the entire season.

Both Marquinhos and Stones are only 24 years old and their values are expected to increase in the future.

#4 Mats Hummels (60 Million Euros)

Hummels had quite a disappointing World Cup campaign

Hummels is a very well-known centre-back in world football right now. Over the past few seasons, Hummels has earned himself a reputation of being one of the best defenders in world football.

The German international and Bayern Munich player had a tough 2017-18 season due to injury problems and the absence of their star keeper Manuel Neuer for most of the season. The 191 meters tall defender, Hummels, is known for his concentration and tackling.

He is also a strong passer of the ball and over time, he has removed all significant weaknesses from his game.

Stats: This season, Hummels had a pass accuracy of 87% in the 23 matches he played in the Bundesliga. He was involved in 5 defensive actions on an average per game. Over the season, he scored 1 goal, created 5 chances and made 1 defensive error.

#3 Kalidou Koulibaly (60 Million Euros)

Kalidou has not only been a great defender for Napoli but has also contributed in attack by scoring goals and creating chances.

The 27-year-old Senegal centre-back is a rather lesser known name in comparison to the other players on the list. After having a fantastic season with Napoli that helped them finish 2nd in the league behind Juventus, Koulibaly has seen a big rise in his market value.

He is on the wishlist of many big clubs in Europe and could be on his way out soon. The 195 meters tall defender has no significant weaknesses in his game.

Stats: In a total of 32 matches, Koulibaly has maintained a pass accuracy of 91%. He has been involved in 5 defensive actions per game having made 2 defensive errors over the entire season. He has excellent attacking statistics for a centre-back having scored 5 goals and created 8 chances for his team.

#2 Samuel Umtiti (70 Million Euros)

Umtiti has proved to be one of the best Centre-backs in the world.

Umtiti has really earned a name for himself over the past few years. The Barcelona Centre-Back and France international has been in great form and being only 24 years old, a lot is expected from him in the future. Despite being a defender, Umtiti is an excellent dribbler of the ball.

Stats: Umtiti has played in a total of 23 matches for FC Barcelona having a pass accuracy of 91%. He has been involved in 5 defensive actions per game having committed a total of 3 defensive errors. He has also scored 1 goal and created 1 chance.

At 24, Umtiti has a lot of years left in him and could go on to become a legend of the game.

#1 Raphael Varane (80 Million Euros)

At 25, Varane has won 16 trophies. Unbelievable!

Varane’s career has started spectacularly and at the age of 25 Varane seems to have accomplished a heck of a lot in football. Varane has won 16 titles, has been a part of 10 finals in his career and has won all of them.

He is an unavoidable player both for his club and country. Varane will surely go down in history as one of the most decorated footballers of his time and is already a legend of the game.

Stats: Varane has played in 24 matches in the La Liga having maintained a passing accuracy of 90%. He has been involved in 6 defensive actions per game and made 1 defensive error over the course of the season.

Credits: Squawka