In today’s football, a central defender is one of the most vital positions in the game. The defenders are just as important, as forwards to the team. Perhaps, they are really crucial because their contributions can assure their team at least a point.



There are several characteristics that define a modern centre-back. With exceptional mental and physical attributes, they also must have the ability to read the game and organize their defensive line. In certain football teams, the centre-back also plays as an attacking player, making it difficult for opposition teams to understand the pattern of play at times.



Here we've come up with the conclusive list of 5 best football defenders in the world for 19/20 season.

Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool and Netherlands)

Virgil van Dijk is the undisputed champion and has made a meteoric improvement to the Liverpool, since his arrival in January 2018. He's as creditworthy as anyone for their famous Champions League success in Madrid last season. With 16 clean sheets out of 47 appearances in 19/20 season and 0.72 goals conceded per 90 min, the Dutchman is a reigning and enthralling presence at the heart of Liverpool’s defence. In 2019, Van Dijk won UEFA’s Men’s Player of the Year award, after an outstanding season with the Reds.

Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid and Spain)

There is no denying that Sergio Ramos is effective, both as phenomenal leader, as well as an invincible defender. He has aggressive and charismatic demeanor. Ramos’ consistency level over the period of his persistent career is perhaps, matched only by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. He has significant 21 clean sheets out of 43 matches played in 19/20 season and 0.65 goal conceded per 90 min. With over 100 caps, the Captain España currently holds the record as the most capped player in the history of the Spanish national team.

Thiago Silva (Paris Saint-Germain and Brazil)

Thiago Silva seems immortal and is still going strong. His high level of skill makes him stunningly good defensive player and the most rounded players in football. Having 17 clean sheets in 30 matches this season and 0.63 goals conceded per 90 min, the Brazilian captain is still one of the most feared defenders in the world. The former Fluminense and AC Milan star is heralded as one of the fastest defenders in European football.

Gerard Piqué (Barcelona and the Spain)

Gerard Piqué is the compendium of the modern centre-back. Very strong with his tackling ability, and a good reader of the game, Piqué is almost as irreplaceable for Barcelona as Lionel Messi. With 10 clean sheets in 33 matches played in 19/20 season, he has conceded 1.05 goals per 90 min. The Barcelona legend has one of the most impressive trophy cabinets in the history of the game and has proven himself as one of the best football defenders.

Raphaël Varane (Real Madrid and France)

Raphaël Varane has established himself as an invaluable member of Real Madrid. He has won two La Liga and four Champions League titles, while also getting his hands on the 2018 FIFA World Cup. In addition to his near-incomparable defensive abilities, Varane is also technically sound. With 19 marvelous clean sheets in 42 appearances this season and 0.7 goal conceded per 90 min, Varane is a profitable asset like no other. The technically gifted defender, also possess blistering pace.