World Cup 2018: 5 classy centre-backs expected to stand tall in Russia

#2 Samuel Umtiti (France)

Lots of eyes will be on Umtiti at the Mundial

Few centre-backs are going into the World Cup with a growing reputation quite like Umtiti’s. The former Olympique Lyon has grown into a really fine centre-back since he moved to Barcelona.

Alongside Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane, the left-footed player of Cameroonian descent will be playing in his first major tournament for Les Bleus. He is likely to be one of the most important men for Didier Deschamps as France looks to win its 2nd World Cup.

Pacy, strong with an immaculate sense of timing for making tackles, Umtiti’s game intelligence and technique has been further enhanced by the patient coaching of Ernesto Valverde at club level.

This new found confidence has found expression on the national stage as he has become more assertive and is one of France’s most potent weapons from set-pieces.

His strength and rugged nature are expected to be a perfect foil for the more pacy and adventurous Varane and with N’Golo Kante expected to play in front of the pair, breaching France’s defence at Russia 2018 is not going to be easy.