The role of a center-back has evolved. Most ranked center-backs in recent years. With changes in style of play and more creativity setting in has made the work of a center back more fascinating.
Top best right-wingers in Europe presently
There are few who have mastered the role over the years, they played it comfortably without stress and still come out dominating.
Let us take a look at few of them based on their performances this few years back and presently.
5.John Stones (Manchester city and England):
just in few years the Barnsley boy turned a superstar, john stones’ status as a hero at the Etihad Stadium is more prominent than his actions at his subsequent clubs.
Pep Guardiola has helped in developing and nurturing the Englishman into one of his finest players, with his quality midfield helping city to yet triumph every season.
It is really hard to see how England will not succeed without the 30-years-old at the heart of their defense in this ongoing Euro 2024 as the quest for international glory rolls around them yet again in Germany.
Most dangerous left-wingers in Europe
To think that there was a time Stones looked like he was out of the picture at man city as Dias, Ake and Laporte all ahead and doing well.
But he gained favor again with Guardiola with his versatility at right back and most especially in the midfield.
He was exceptional in the defensive midfield last season as he played a vital role in the champions league glory of city.
He was solid throughout the game with Rodri being the back bone, stones could really do well in the midfield if well trained.
4.Ruben Dias (Manchester city and Portugal):
Dias made an incredible start to his career at man city and has always improved as time went on.
In his debut campaign, he was named the FWA Footballer of the year, Manchester city player of the year, premier league player of the season and UEFA defender of
the season. The Portugal defender was at his peak during 2022/23 run-in as city completed a famous treble.
If for one day you are looking for a tall, athletic defender who reads the game to perfection, I think you should be looking out for Ruben Dias.
A newest four-time premier league winner, the 27-year-old remains one of the most prized assets in defense. He is expected to feature heavily for his country at Euro 2024 this summer, and all in support are optimistic and positive that he will break through.
3.Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool and Netherlands):
Liverpool fans are somehow right, Van Dijk has emerged to be one of the best defenders in the world right now.
The Dutch man slipped below his usual levels last season, but then so did his Liverpool team mates.
But currently, now putting on the captain’s armband he has been imperious and a top class above his peers.
Van Dijk has improved so much that he can tackle, pass and score. He has grown to be among the contenders for premier league player of the season.
If there was one signing that transformed Liverpool under Klopp, that should Van Dijk, during Liverpool’s title winning run in 2020, the Dutch man was unbeatable.
He actually went 50 games without being dribbled past, though injuries seemed to have rocked him down but the Dutchman returned to his very best during the 2023/24 season.
Van dijk is one defender the opposition relish coming up against, with a gigantic frame frame and pace to spice it up.
2.William Saliba (Arsenal and France):
Saliba has really been a true transformative figure in Arsenal’s defense since returning from couple of loans.
The Frenchman has already formed a formidable partnership at the back with Gabriel which makes the defender a match for pace with any premier league
Attacker. Williams Saliba remains one of the most graceful center-backs you will like to watch.
Madrid bags their fifteenth time champions league
Not many could foresee the progress seen by Saliba over the past two years but France Euro 2024 squad members has become a contributing factor in ever improving the Arsenal defender under Mikel Arteta
To think that Arsenal’s premier league title challenge fell away when Saliba got injured last two seasons, they were right in the race again when he was fully fit
last season and playing well, but it did not work out for them. Not only is the Frenchman a solid defender, but he plays a crucial role in bringing the ball from the back and starting attacks for Arsenal’s side.
1.Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid and Germany):
Everybody knew that real Madrid had hit a big deal when they signed Rudiger. The German has been recognized due to his contributions to Real Madrid’s 2023/24 season that
has seen the Spanish Giants secure a 36th Laliga title and 15th champions league trophy. He has been exceptional to the extent of keep Eder Militao and Alaba out
of action for a large part of the campaign despite injuries. Antonio Rudiger continues to solidify himself as one of the world’s best defenders.
Having earned a move to Madrid, he has developed into a truly world class center-back under carlo Ancelotti. He has grown to be a very fierce and solid defender.
It can be confirmed during Madrid’s meeting with Manchester city in the champions league last season and last two seasons to be précised.
Possible Euro winners 2024
He totally marked Erling Haaland out of the game, showing his solidity and experience as a defender.
He is good stopper, and he is good in reading the game sublimely and carries the ball forward with relentless intent, he has as well proved his versatility
Occasionally filling in at right-back to see that victory comes at the end of the game. One good thing about Rudiger is that he does both side of the game so well.
He is comfortable with the ball and drags the entire team up the pitch. He also possesses a wicked shot from outside the eighteen yard box, and rarely gets beat
in one-on-one situations and lastly Rudiger has this pace that enables him catch attackers from behind. He is surely the best defender in the world right now.
