Top 5 Centerbacks In Soccer


1 of 6

Top 5 Centerbacks In Soccer

Silva
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

This group of players excels defensively; they bring a physical presence to the game with their leadership and inspirational play.

They possess the physique to dominate their opposition, patrolling their penalty box with immense pride and dignity. All Aerial dynamos, they use their size and stature to impact set pieces. Whether it’s defending a corner-kick or being on the end of a delivery to head the ball in the back of the net.

All defensive stalwarts, these players possess an appetite for destruction with a propensity to make hard tackles. Supremely gifted tacticians, having undeniable awareness to intercept passes and the vision to play forwards offsides.

Possessing uncanny strength and unparalleled leadership qualities, the centerback position is always under immense scrutiny as one mistake can mean the difference in a game. They have to deal with some of the most physically gifted players in the world on a regular basis, as the top talents in the game continue to test their valor. Consistency is a necessity; positional awareness is key, as centerhalves don’t have the luxury of taking the wrong step.

The great centerbacks learn the importance of angles and understand the opposition is usually a little more athletically gifted. They are the focal point of the defensive make-up of every team, the ringleaders for the success of any squad. Coaches and players look for inspiration from these players, mainly because it takes a calm, cool and collected costumer to patrol the center of the defense. Arguably the most important position for a top club, there is no undervaluing the contributions a world-class centerback gives to a squad.

2 of 6

5. Giorgio Chiellini

Chiellini
Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

Giorgio Chiellini is one of the few defenders that can be considered a cerebral player; he always looks a step ahead of attackers. The Italian International has tremendous tactical awareness with a solid left foot. The Juventus man has shown the versatility to play in any formation and feels just as comfortable lining up at leftback for club and country. Chiellini is a staple for his team almost never missing a game; he is always up for the challenge.

3 of 6

4. Mats Hummels

Hummels
Matthias Hangst/Witters Sport via USA TODAY Sports

Mats Hummels is an absolute battering ram, with a bulky physique and an undeniable presence. The German International is a model of consistency in the defensive area of the pitch. The Borussia Dortmund man is a great positional defender, dominating his opponents with his aerial prowess. A tactician at heart, Hummels always gets his positioning and angles right in the center of defense.

4 of 6

3. Vincent Kompany

Kompany
Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

Vincent Kompany is a true enforcer, with a muscular physique and a tenacity that petrifies the opposition. The Belgian International is an emotional player with leadership qualities coaches would die for. The Manchester City man is tremendous at defending set pieces, and equally as impressive at getting goals from corner kicks. An Inspirational figure, Kompany seems to always get his tackles right when diving in the penalty box to protect a clean sheet.

5 of 6

2. Thiago Silva

Silva
Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Thiago Silva seems to do everything right on the soccer pitch; his overall positioning sense may be the best in world. The Brazilian International is a tremendous talent with the technical ability of a formidable midfielder. The Paris Saint-German man epitomizes professionalism; he seemingly never makes a rash tackle or loses his temper. As cool as the other side of the pillow, Silva’s effectiveness speaks volumes to his talent.

6 of 6

1. Raphael Varane

Varane
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Raphael Varane is young in age but mature in his mentality, arguably the best defender in the world with his long and rangy physique. The French International has rare qualities for a centerback with unbelievable pace and athleticism. The Real Madrid youngster has attained great awareness and a tactical sense of the game at such a young age. Varane shows no signs of slowing down, he has not yet reached his prime and his supreme talent has only scratched the surface.


Sign Up
for the

We Recommend

Partner with USA TODAY Sports Digital Properties