Top 10 defenders in the world in the 2020-21 season
Picking out the ten best defenders in a season isn't an easy task, especially as there are scores of them in various leagues. Also, given the wide-ranging opinions of fans and their own choices, there can be no one perfect list, which makes it difficult to draw a conclusion.
Nevertheless, let's take a look at the top ten defenders in Europe's top five leagues during the 2020-21 season:
#10 Stefan Savic (Atletico Madrid)
Stefan Savic was the epitome of consistency at the back for Atletico Madrid in 2020-21. He may not always garner headlines, but his impeccable positioning and strength in duels perfectly complemented the more ball-playing players in the squad.
Savic averaged over three clearances per game and was strong in the air too, winning almost three aerial duels. The Montenegrin star's importance in the Rojiblancos can be further gauged from the fact that conceded an average of a goal a game in five matches without him, compared to just 0.71 when he started.
#9 Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan)
Alessandro Bastoni dazzled in Antonio Conte's three-man defence as Inter Milan ended Juventus' near decade-long domestic stranglehold to win their first Serie A title in 11 years.
Inter Milan built their Serie A title success on the back of a resolute backline, which Bastoni was a key part of. He won tackles and also showcased his ball-playing prowess.
#8 Jerome Boateng (Bayern Munich)
Had he been in his prime, Jerome Boateng would have been further up this list of the best defenders in the season.
But despite his recent decline in form, he remained a force to be reckoned with in defence. The defender was once again at the heart of Bayern Munich's title success and showed that he is far from a finished product.
Hansi Flick kept faith in the German defender by playing him regularly. Boateng duly repaid his manager's trust by consistently delivering on the pitch, also displaying an improved sense of positioning and more composure.
After a successful decade in Bavaria, Boateng would be a quality addition to any team that signs him.