The current top 10 center-backs globally listed and ordered in terms of their rankings.

Center-backs often don’t engage in the attention-grabbing tasks on the field that secure titles for their teams; however, they undeniably stand as some of the most crucial players in elite football squads.

The role of a center-back has undergone significant transformations in recent decades; the era of hefty defenders simply clearing the ball upfield upon receiving it has faded away. In today’s game, central defenders are not only expected to fulfill traditional defensive duties but also to initiate plays from the back, actively contribute to attacks, and exhibit composure on the ball even in high-pressure situations.

In the aftermath of his standout performance in the Carabao Cup final, Liverpool supporters are asserting that Virgil van Dijk holds the title of the best center-back globally. Yet, the question remains: is this claim justified?

In this context, we identify and rank our selection of the top 10 center-backs in the world at present.

10: Ronald Araujo

Despite Barcelona’s challenging season, Ronald Araujo has been a standout performer, proving indispensable to Xavi’s team. The Uruguayan international showcased his versatility by adeptly handling roles at both center-back and right-back, filling in due to his team’s injury woes. Nevertheless, Araujo continues to shine in his primary central position.

9: Min-jae Kim

Min-jae Kim earned recognition as one of the world’s premier center-backs during his instrumental role in Napoli’s Serie A triumph last season. Following a notable £43 million transfer to Bayern Munich, the South Korean defender has maintained his high standards. While he likely hoped for a Bundesliga title in his debut season with the German club, current circumstances, with Thomas Tuchel’s team trailing league leaders Bayer Leverkusen by eight points, make that prospect less likely.

8: Ibrahima Konate

Despite often being overshadowed by his teammate Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate has been a consistently sturdy presence for Liverpool, who currently lead the Premier League. If Jurgen Klopp’s tenure at Liverpool concludes with a title triumph, Konate is set to receive significant acclaim for his crucial contributions to the team’s success.

7: William Saliba

Arsenal’s aspirations for the Premier League title took a hit when William Saliba sustained an injury last season, and his absence was notably felt. The resurgence of their title challenge correlates with his return to full fitness and impressive form. Beyond his prowess as a solid defender, the Frenchman plays a pivotal role in initiating attacks for Mikel Arteta’s side by skillfully bringing the ball out from the back.

6: Gleison Bremer

In 2022, Gleison Bremer joined a Juventus team facing a challenging period, yet his standout defensive performances were a bright spot in an otherwise difficult season. As the Serie A giants have shown significant improvement this year, Bremer has become a crucial component in their defensive setup. With interest from various quarters, Juventus faces the task of warding off potential suitors for the Brazilian international in the upcoming summer.

5: Ruben Dias

Since joining Manchester City in 2020, Ruben Dias has arguably been the Premier League’s premier defender. His no-nonsense defensive style and composed ball-handling skills make him an ideal fit for Pep Guardiola’s system. While he may not have reached his absolute peak this season, doubting Dias’ ability to return to top form would be a substantial mistake. The Portuguese defender remains a key asset for Manchester City, and his potential resurgence could elevate their defensive capabilities to new heights.

4: John Stones

The evolution of John Stones into a player capable of seamlessly transitioning between defense and midfield was a notable narrative of the previous season. In the current campaign, he has demonstrated his sustained proficiency in this dual role.

Despite facing limitations in playing time due to injuries, the impact of Stones on the Manchester City side is unmistakable. The team’s increased comfort and effectiveness when he is on the field underscore his exceptional abilities, emphasizing the pivotal role he plays in bolstering City’s defensive prowess.

3: Alessandro Bastoni

Inter Milan proudly boasts the emergence of the next promising Italian defender in Alessandro Bastoni, who has played a significant role in their Serie A dominance this season. Under the guidance of Simone Inzaghi, Inter is comfortably leading the title race, conceding a mere 12 goals in 25 games. Bastoni embodies the qualities essential for a modern defender, and at the age of 24, he has attracted interest from Premier League powerhouses Chelsea and Manchester United.

2: Antonio Rudiger

Real Madrid secured a remarkable deal when they signed Antonio Rudiger as a free agent after his contract with Chelsea expired in 2022. While his initial season at the Bernabeu concluded without securing La Liga or Champions League honors, Rudiger has been exceptional in the current campaign. His stellar performances have played a pivotal role in helping Los Blancos establish an evidently insurmountable lead at the summit of the table.

1: Virgil van Dijk

Liverpool fans find themselves justified in their claim that there is currently no superior central defender globally than Virgil van Dijk. While the Dutchman experienced a dip in form last season, mirroring the collective performance of his Liverpool teammates, this term has seen a resounding return to his commanding best. Now donning the captain’s armband, Van Dijk has been nothing short of imperious, standing head and shoulders above his positional peers. From tackling and passing to scoring, Van Dijk exhibits a versatile skill set that makes him a strong contender for the Premier League Player of the Season accolade.