The 10 best centre-backs in the world right now | OneFootball

Football teams are only as good as the strength of their spine and strong centre-backs are a crucial part of building a trophy-winning unit.

Central defenders have evolved in the modern game, with a greater emphasis than ever on quality in possession, in addition to the fundamentals of defending their own penalty box.

We’ve attempted the tough task of ranking the finest centre-backs in the game right now.

The 10 best centre-backs in the world right now

10. Ronald Araujo – Barcelona

Ronald Araujo ended speculation over his Barcelona future by penning a new long-term deal with the club in January.

Though there have been injury issues and reservations over his suitability to the demands of Hansi Flick, Araujo has returned to the side impressively in recent weeks. He was exceptional over the two legs of the Champions League win over Benfica, as Barcelona progressed to the quarter-finals. A defender who loves to defend – an increasing rarity in modern football.

9. Ibrahima Konate – Liverpool

Ibrahima Konate is often overshadowed by Virgil van Dijk at Liverpool, but the Frenchman’s role for the Reds is a key one.

His rapid recovery pace and sheer strength allow Konate to defend huge spaces, allowing Trent Alexander-Arnold the freedom to roam forward from right-back. Konate’s channel-defending offers an insurance policy for Liverpool against transitions.

8. John Stones – Manchester City

Fortunate to earn inclusion here after another injury-impacted season. However, the difference between Manchester City with and without Stones is stark. The England international oozes quality in possession and his ability to break lines with his passing – and step forward into midfield – allows the Citizens to exert control. It’s a control that has too often been lacking this season in the absence of Stones and the injured Rodri.

7. Ruben Dias – Manchester City

Ruben Dias has been a rock for Manchester City ever since his arrival from Benfica in 2020. Signed as a replacement for Vincent Kompany, he stepped into a leadership role in the backline as the Citizens won a record-breaking four consecutive Premier League titles.

Dias hasn’t quite been the commanding force of old in an increasingly vulnerable team this season, but his presence still makes a huge difference. City have lost nine times in the Premier League this season, though just two have come with Dias in the starting side.

City have a 56.25% win percentage with Dias starting this season and just a 38.46% without him.

6. Gabriel – Arsenal

Part of one of the best centre-back pairings in European football right now, Gabriel brings a robust aerial presence to the silk of William Saliba alongside him.

That’s not to say Gabriel can’t play, he’s brilliant at breaking line with his passing in his own right, but there’s a certain old-school to the way the big Brazilian powers towards flighted balls in both boxes. He’s a massive weapon for Arsenal, who have become the Premier League’s set-piece specialists.

5. Marquinhos – Paris Saint-Germain

Paris Saint-Germain’s long-serving leader has his sights set on the ultimate prize this season. After arriving in Paris as a teenager, Marquinhos has seen the highs and lows of the Qatari project.

He learnt under the guidance of Thiago Silva and is now the man who sets the standards for the French powerhouse. His reading of the game and ability to snuff out danger is almost unmatched. With a more tenacious team now ahead of him, PSG have the tools to conquer Europe.

4. Alessandro Bastoni – Inter Milan

Italy have hardly been short of world-class centre-backs; Franco Baresi. Paolo Maldini. Fabio Cannavaro. Alessandro Nesta. Giorgi Chiellini. Leonardo Bonucci – you get the idea.

Alessandro Bastoni has now taken that mantle with the Azzurri, bringing his own unique take on the role. He meanders forward freely, orchestrating attacks with threaded passes and wonderful crossing ability from a deep position.

Combined with a 6ft 3in frame and aerial excellence, it’s a combination that has all of Europe’s top clubs taking a long look. Prizing him from Inter, where he is perfect for Simone Inzaghi’s system, looks a formidable challenge.

3. William Saliba – Arsenal

William Saliba has taken to the Premier League like the proverbial duck to water. After a succession of loan spells, he returned to Arsenal in 2022 and hasn’t looked back. Rarely has a defender looked so unruffled amid the intensity of English football.

Whether it’s turning out of trouble, give-and-goes inside his own third, or simply stepping on the accelerator to shut down attacks, Saliba does it all. Approaching his 24th birthday, he’s the heir to the title of the world’s best.

2. Antonio Rudiger – Real Madrid

Antonio Rudiger is mad as a box of frogs but Real Madrid would not have him any other way. The German gets real enjoyment from unsettling strikers, taking an uncompromising approach to duels with the best.

His pick-up on a free transfer from Chelsea is some of the Spanish’s sides best business of recent years. Excellent at Chelsea, he’s become genuinely elite at the Bernabeu.

1. Virgil van Dijk – Liverpool

Virgil van Dijk, still, has few peers in the world of centre-backs.

The Dutch defender is a man-mountain for Liverpool, who are cantering towards the Premier League title this season. Colossal in the air and perfectly precise with raking passes to get Liverpool from back to front, Van Dijk is integral to the Reds at both ends of the pitch.

Finding a route past Van Dijk so often proves troublesome for opposition forwards. He’s often bigger, stronger, quicker and better than the forwards he faces. He might be 34 in the summer but he’s far from done at the top. Liverpool will be sweating over his expiring contract.

Read – The 10 best right-backs in the world right now

See more – The 10 best goalkeepers in the world right now

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