Best defenders in the world 2024

1. Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

If there's one defender in world football you'd have picked for your money-no-object team over the last 10 years or so, Van Dijk is your man.

The towering Liverpool centre-back was one of the trailblazers of modern defending as the world realised big men at the back didn't necessarily have to be technically limited players. VVD remains the benchmark for modern defending.

2. Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid)

Rudiger is a perfect blend of the old and the new. He's a physical brute with the ability to slam strikers into submission, as well as delicately dance out of the defence with the ball at his feet.

The former Chelsea ace has built himself into the mainframe of the Real Madrid winning machine and is likely to remain there for a few more years to come.

3. William Saliba (Arsenal)

After spending the first three years of his Arsenal career out on loan, William Saliba returned to the Emirates Stadium with a bang and has, arguably, become the most important member of Mikel Arteta's squad given their robust defensive record.

It's hardly surprising that the collapse of the Gunners' title challenge in the 2022/23 campaign coincided with the Frenchman suffering an injury, and their rebound campaign saw him feature prominently.

4. John Stones (Manchester City)

John Stones is the Rolls Royce of defenders and has the talent to play pretty much anywhere on the pitch. The Manchester City star has become synonymous with stepping out of defence and moving into midfield thanks to his ease in possession and passing range.

Don't let his skills on the ball fool you, however, as the England international also does the dirty stuff well. A chequered injury record means he sometimes doesn't get the credit he deserves.

5. Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)

It's tricky to compare Trent Alexander-Arnold in a list made up of centre-backs who stand head and shoulders above him.

Liverpool's revolutionary full-back is a constant menace going forward with lovely passing attributes, set-piece threat and a wicked delivery in his arsenal. His defensive game isn't his unique selling point, but he's certainly improved at the back.

6. Gabriel (Arsenal)

Often overlooked at the expense of his flashy partner in crime, William Saliba, Gabriel is an imperious defender who loves a physical duel with the best of them.

Gabriel boasts plenty of aerial dominance too, at the back and going forward, as he reaps plenty of goals from Arsenal's revered set-piece routines.