The footballing world has seen several amazing defenders over the years. There have been several players who have graced various stadiums by their presence. Be it Sergio Ramos, Paolo Maldini, or be it Virgil Van Dik, all of these players make the game fun to watch. Defense in football is an art. The art of stealing the ball effectively from the opponents’ feet is not every player’s piece of cake. This job is for daredevils who are willing to put their body on the line to win the game. Here is a look at the top 10 defenders from the 2021-2022 Football season: –
10) Kurt Zouma: –
This French center-back played for Chelsea Football Club. He was an integral member of the Chelsea team that won the Champions League in the year 2020. He alongside Ngolo Kante became an unbeatable wall. Kurt Zouma was playing for Chelsea since 2014 but has been sent on loan to several teams like Stoke City and Everton. Kurt Zouma, the 27-year-old averaged 0.6 tackles per game and 1.0 interceptions.
9) Sven Botman: –
Not many defenders in the Ligue 1 make it to the top. But Sven Botman, the Dutch footballer has made his way to the top. In a league featuring the top performers such as Neymar Jr., Kylian Mbappe, and Lionel Messi. Add to it the presence of Icardi. Sven Botman plays for LOSC Lille and his judgment of the game is great. He averages 0.8 tackles per game and 1.0 interceptions. Often it is said that the standard of French football is lower but the presence of teams such as PSG and Marseille make the argument out of proportion.
8) John Stones: –
John Stones has been the backbone of Manchester City for a very long time. This 26-year-old, Englishman made his presence felt in every game he took the field. Manchester City was able to be the runners-up in the Champions League due to significant contributions from John Stones. John Stones averages 0.8 tackles per game and 1.1 interceptions per game. This well and truly defines his game.
7) Wesley Fofana: –
This is a surprise name on the list. Wesley Fofana is an underdog who plays for Leicester City. This 20-year-old is one of the best defenders in the Prem. While playing for the Foxes he has made several aerial duels and tackles. He has a good understanding of the game and can predict the opponents’ moves. With Wesley Fofana in the mix, the future of French football looks in safe hands. He averages 1.7 tackles per game and 2.1 interceptions as well.
6) Joules Kounde: –
Another Frenchman on the list. Joules Kounde plays from Sevilla in La Liga. He has taken on the likes of Sergio Aguero, Lionel Messi, Antoine Griezmann, and Luis Suarez. He has the experience of playing with the world’s best. At 23, Jules plays for the French National Team as well. His precision in perceiving the game and tracking the opponent has been exceptional. He can fall back very fast. His pace gives him an added advantage. Joules Kounde averages 0.9 interceptions and 1.2 tackles per game.
5) Willi Orban: –
The first entry from the Bundesliga in our list of top footballers is Willi Orban. Willi Orban is a mixed national hailing from both Germany and Hungary. At 29 years, Willi Orban brings along with him a world of experience. Playing for RB Leipzig he has taken on the likes of Robert Lewandowski and Erling Haaland. Not to forget the ever-dominant Klaas Jan Huntelaar. Willi Orban averages 1.4 tackles per game and 1.1 interceptions as well.
4) Cristian Romero: –
Cristian Romero is one of the most underrated individuals. Romero played for Atlanta and bagged a contract for the Tottenham Hotspurs in the summer transfer window. His exceptional game while defending has earned him this contract. He helped Lionel Messi fulfill his dream of winning Copa America. Cristian hails from Argentina and has played against the likes of Suarez, Messi, and Depay as well. He is 23 years old. Cristian Romero averages 2.4 tackles per game and 3.2 interceptions too.
3) Mats Hummels: –
Mats Hummels has been the king of the defending kingdom since 2013. He has played for two of the best German clubs in the form of Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. One can never ignore the sheer passion that Mats Hummels has for the game. He averages 1.7 tackles per game and 2.2 interceptions to give an add-on. At 32 years, his body is aging but he is wiser than any other player in his team.
2) Marquinhos: –
Marcos Correa is also known as Marquinhos plays for the French Club Paris Saint Germain. He has been the backbone of this team for a very long time. 1.3 tackles and 1.1 interceptions are what he contributes to the team in every game. This Brazilian has his very own style of play and alongside Tiago Silva, formed an unbreakable wall for Paris.
1) Ruben Dias: –
Ruben Dias helped Manchester City be the Runners Up at Champions League. He is one of the most dominant and smart defenders currently. Dias has the ability to win the ball in aerial duels and can read the game very well. His pace gives him an added advantage. His physical abilities help him body the opponents to win the ball. He averages 1.1 tackles per game and 1.4 interceptions too.