Modern football has seen significant developments in the center-back role. They are no longer just players in charge of defending but also pillars in building attacks and organizing the game. Here are the six best defenders who have changed the dynamics of modern football, as we reviewed at speakbola.com.
Defense is often the most crucial area in a soccer match. Sometimes, the defenders also determine the match’s outcome, mainly so that the team’s goal is not conceded.
In the modern football era, defenders guard the defense area and help attack. Many players are known as the world’s top defenders who are great at protecting the back line and clever when attacking.
These defenders are usually crucial players for their teams. Their positions are irreplaceable at their respective clubs. The following is a list of the six best defenders in the modern football era:
1. Mats Hummels
Their defense was considered the best when Borussia Dortmund ruled the Bundesliga in 2010–2011 and 2011–2012. Mats Hummels is regarded as one element that makes Dortmund’s backline attack-resistant.
Hummels was also an important instrument when the German national team won the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. His game is direct and uncompromising, and he excels in high-ball duels. He has been targeted by clubs such as Barcelona, Manchester United, and Chelsea several times, but Hummels is still loyal to Dortmund.
2. John Terry
John Terry is currently 35 years old. However, Terry was known as a tough defender during his golden era. For a decade, Terry was considered the world’s top defender who could defend the defensive area well.
The Chelsea captain was once praised as a player willing to die so his team’s goal would not be conceded. Terry has extraordinary leadership skills in the back row. Opposing attackers will be frightened by his hard tackles.
3. Sergio Ramos
His position is irreplaceable in the back line for Real Madrid and the Spanish national team. Sergio Ramos is a world class defender who has lifted many trophies. He is a direct defender and has good attacking instincts.
Sergio Ramos is a true captain at Real Madrid and Spain. He is the best defender who can score important goals at crucial moments. His leadership and experience in dealing with various situations is an invaluable asset. Ramos is a true example of a centre-back who knows how to mark defenses and lead his team to victory.
He does not hesitate to play hard until opposing players fall. Ramos was for many years considered one of the best modern defenders ever. Once targeted by Manchester United, Ramos emphasized his loyalty to Real Madrid.
4. Giorgio Chiellini
Juventus is one of Europe’s elite clubs with the most solid defense. Italian football has long been famous for its defensive organization. Giorgio Chiellini is one of the defenders who stabilize Juventus’ back line.
The Italian international made a significant difference to the Bianconeri’s back line. Without a doubt, Chiellini is one of the best center-backs in the modern era of football. One of this 31-year-old defender’s skills is to provoke opposing attackers to the point of frustration.
5. Thiago Silva
Brazilian international defender Thiago Silva is a quality guarantee for protecting the defensive area. Silva is defending Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and has brought the French capital club to the Ligue 1 championship for the last three seasons.
This season, too, PSG has appeared dominant in Ligue 1, and the back line put together by Silva is the most solid. Without Silva, the defense of PSG and the Brazilian National Team might be fragile and easily penetrated by opposing attackers. Without a doubt, Silva is a true leader at the back.
6. Gerard Pique
Last season was the best season for Gerard Pique with Barcelona. He achieved a treble-winner by winning La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the Champions League. His performance is stable, even though it is no longer a secret that Barcelona implements an attacking strategy.
However, Pique was able to protect his defensive area well. Not infrequently, he helped attack. His partner at the back felt supported by Pique’s movements. Pique has also helped the Spanish national team win the European and World Cup.
This development of the center-back role indicates the dramatic changes in modern football. They are not only obstacles but also the driving force of the game. They act as last guards and opportunity creators. In an increasingly dynamic play, the presence of a quality central defender is significant.
So, here are the six best defenders of the modern era of football. They are pioneers in paving the way to victory with their extraordinary abilities. From physical strength to tactical understanding, they are the ones who prove that center-backs are not only defenders but also key players in achieving success on the gridiron. They are an inspiration for future generations in the world of football.
