5 defenders you wouldn’t believe are more valuable than Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest players to ever grace the game and his records speak for themselves. What is even more impressive is that he has done so at three different clubs, not to mention on the international stage too. However, the star-studded centre-forward is slowing down.

Cristiano Ronaldo is not the hottest property on the market anymore

We need to have a conversation about Cristiano Ronaldo and his form. What’s your honest opinion on what’s going on? https://t.co/Z1fFgm35Z6

Manchester United may have brought their legend back to Old Trafford last summer, but he is not the man who left them for a world-record transfer fee in 2009.

Cristiano Ronaldo adapted to the new challenges of the game by becoming a poacher towards the end of his career at Real Madrid. His time at Juventus may not have been trophy-laden but it was personally successful.

However, his time at the Theater of Dreams this term is evidence of why he is only worth £31.5 million today (as per transfermarkt). To put this in context, there are several other budding talents, especially defenders, who are more valuable than him today.

On that note, let's take a look at 5 defenders you would not believe are more valuable than Cristiano Ronaldo.

Note: All figures are as per Transfermarkt.

#5 Edmond Tapsoba - £36 million

Bayer 04 Leverkusen v VfL Bochum - Bundesliga

Edmond Tapsoba is one of the rising stars of tomorrow and is becoming increasingly popular in the Bundesliga. The 23-year-old ace joined Bayer Leverkusen in January 2020 and has been sensational for them.

🌍 #AFCON2021 Group A: Ones to Watch

🇧🇫 Burkina Faso - Edmond Tapsoba
🇨🇲 Cameroon - Jean Onana
🇨🇻 Cape Verde - Jamiro Monteiro
🇪🇹 Ethiopia - Abubeker Nasir

📖 Full team guide 👉 whoscored.com/Articles/I2D3Q… https://t.co/QFHHXoAYNJ

Last season, the Burkina Faso international helped the German club keep the third best defense in the league. While the current campaign has not been as stellar, Leverkusen are 3rd in the league, just six points off 2nd placed Borussia Dortmund. However, this is no surprise since Tapsoba has been injured for long periods. But when he has been on the pitch, he has given his all to his side.

Tapsoba could seal a big-money move to a top club in Europe soon and his current value of £36 million is sure to rise in the coming years. Cristiano Ronaldo will certainly know about this feeling but his decline means that there are better players in world football today.

#4 Fikayo Tomori- £40.50 million

Fikayo Tomori has been one of the best signings for AC Milan over the last couple of years. The centre-back left Chelsea to join the Italian club in January 2021 and signed for them permanently last summer.

Fikayo Tomori makes his 50th appearance for AC Milan. coming as a loaned player , then starting games from the bench to now becoming a main stay in the starting XI

ì'm so happy with this growth cuz i strongly believed in him from his Chelsea days. this is to more to come https://t.co/ljXnyYIWhT

Moving from one's boyhood club is often hard, but Tomori has been unerringly good for the San Siro outfit. He is quick, decisive and is a wonderful passer of the ball. The England international is also a threat from set-pieces and is often bustling to get his head on the ball during corners. His eye-catching performances have resulted in AC Milan being 2nd in the Serie A table, level on points with 1st-placed Napoli.

Tomori is currently valued at £40.50 million, a little more than Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese international is still effective but the AC Milan ace has time on his hands, thereby justifying his current market value.