World Cup 2018: Top 20 centre-backs in the tournament

8. Jose Gimenez

Jose Gimenez

One half of an incredible club-country partnership, Gimenez has become one of the most exciting centre-backs in Europe. In fact, the Uruguayan defender has been so good that he is constantly linked with a move from Atletico Madrid (no one’s definition of a small club). Gimenez’s excellence doesn’t really lie in individual statistics. Perhaps the best way to understand his impact on Atletico Madrid by looking at the team’s statistics over the past three seasons. Atletico have been La Liga (and arguably the world’s) best defense over the past three seasons, as Gimenez has become a regular starter along with compatriot Diego Godin. The Uruguayan won 64.9% of his aerial duels and 76.5% of his tackles. The rumored Manchester United transfer target also had 1.7 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game. Such defensive value was clear in Uruguay’s opening game of the World Cup where Gimenez’s defensive steel managed to ensure that his team did not concede to a clearly inferior yet gritty Egypt side. The icing on the cake was Gimenez’s crucial injury-time goal which allowed Uruguay to escape with a win in a match they really should not have gone down to the wire. However, the defender’s rather low player rating of 6.95 and his constant injuries prevent him from ranking higher.

7. Toby Alderweireld

Toby Alderweireld

Perhaps no two players are more crucial to Belgium’s chances in the upcoming World Cup than Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen. While the Red Devils have incredible attacking talent, their defense may not be strong enough to withstand attacks from some of the other favorites in the tournament. This is mostly due to Roberto Martinez’s tactical preferences, where he has insisted on playing winger Yannick Carrasco as a left wing-back. Considering the various injury issues (and age) of Vincent Kompany, there is extreme pressure on Alderweireld and Vertonghen. Thankfully for Belgium, Alderweireld is certainly up to it. While the 29 year old had his worst statistical season last year with a WhoScored player rating of 6.68, this was likely due to his various injuries (including an hamstring problem that had him out for four months). It is easier to understand Alderweireld’s impact on a defense by looking at his statistics in the 2016-17 season. That year the Belgian had 1.4 tackles, 0.9 interceptions per game and 5.4 clearances per game- quite decent considering Tottenham’s high pressing style. Alderweireld also had 7.1 successful long balls per game which added another dimension to Tottenham’s play. The Belgium defender also has a history of performing well at the highest level as he hasn’t had a player rating lower than 7 in three Champions League campaigns along with his two international tournaments with Belgium.

Nonetheless, the Belgian’s issues with injuries will be troubling for Belgium. Moreover, there will be some concern considering the defender’s relative decline over the past season. In addition, the Belgian’s average pass success percentage has been around 85% over the past few years- a rather poor number for a defender. While this can partly be attributed to his tendency for long balls, it also reflects a recklessness which can prove costly in international tournaments. However, Alderweireld’s international experience along with his big-game expertise carry him over Gimenez.