10 best young defenders in the world

As we open 2016, it’s worth casting a beady eye over some of the names that will become commonplace in footballing circles as the year progresses. One or two of these names will already be known to you, the high quality of these young defenders’ style of play already elevating them into the top echelons of the game.It might be worth bookmarking this page to revisit it in a year from now because it’s highly likely you’ll know all 10 names well by then...

#1 Daniele Rugani

Daniele Rugani(Juventus)

Although he is struggling to get consistent game time at Juventus, Daniele Rugani remains a wanted man. Both Arsenal and Manchester United are said to be interested in a youngster who played every minute of the Serie A season in the 2014/15 campaign whilst with Empoli.

At just 21 years of age, Rugani has that something about him that marks him out as special. Three bookings in 40 games for a central defender is unheard of in the modern era but evidences the youngsters timing in the tackle. One of his premier assets.

Also a wonderfully intelligent reader of the game, Rugani is tenacious, determined and physical in his role.

It’s no wonder that his star continues to rise.