Best center backs in the world in 2021 – from Virgil Van Dijk to Ruben Dias

With the new season starting, Alley Sports brings to you a very frequently asked question, who are the best center backs in the world in 2021? Continue reading to find out who makes it into our list as we look for the top center back names across world football. For more information and details regarding football related news, do check out our page here.

Best center backs in the world in 2021 : Van Dijk or Ruben Dias?

Virgil Van Dijk – Van Dijk is without doubt one of the best defenders of his time. He was very unfortunate to suffer the horrendous injury that he did last season which kept him out for the entire season. He is however back now and the question is whether he can attain those levels of greatness which he did before his injury.

An entire year of not taking part in professional level football can take a toll on any top player, be it their fitness or their mental status. It will be interesting to see Van Dijk this season. He will probably get back to his best, but another question will be, how long will it take? Will he instantly hit the peak he was at before his injury? Or will it take this entire season for him to adapt? We will find out very soon!

Ruben Dias – While Van Dijk was out, the young Portuguese defender had taken the spotlight in the Premier League as well as across Europe as he had also won the best UEFA defender award. He has been instrumental to Man City’s success in the past season as they romped to yet another Premier League title. He will definitely be a consistent performer this season, and will be expected to go head to head with Van Dijk when it comes to top defender of the year.

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Best center backs in the world in 2021
Best center backs in the world in 2021. Photo Credits – Euro Sport

Ruben Dias : UEFA defender of the year 2021

Ruben Dias after Van Dijk had previously won the UEFA men’s player of the year as well as being nominated for FIFA men’s player of the year, had won the UEFA defender of the year as well as the Premier League player of the year. However it is to be noted that Van Dijk was injured the entire season.

Now that Dias is the prominent name among top defenders not only in the league, but in the world, it will be interesting to see Van Dijk who is back from injury, compete a full season with the Portuguese for the individual awards which has mainly been shared between the two of the for the past two seasons.

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Best center backs in the world in 2021
Best center backs in the world in 2021. Photo Credits – Khel Now

Best center backs in the world in 2021 : Other Contenders

Sergio Ramos – The former long term Real Madrid captain has to be a contender for as long as he plays professional football. He not only is a top leader on the pitch, but also defends with his body on the line and is also a very regular goal scorer.

Marquinhos – Marquinhos has been at the heart of the growth of PSG over the years and he certainly is one of the finest center backs around while also captaining the team. He will now play alongside Ramos.

Matthijs de Ligt – De Ligt is certainly a very consistent performer at the top level and has learned a thing or two while player for Juventus with all time great defenders like Bonucci and Chiellini around him.

Thiago Silva – Thiago Silva has been one of the top defenders over the past decade and has shown that he still has it in him after leading Chelsea to UCL glory last season. He continues to play with the very swagger he has always had from the very start.

Raphael Varane – Varane makes his new journey as a Man United player this season and he will certainly help them win a thing or two at his time there after a time of great success over the past few season with Madrid as well as with his nation France.

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Best center backs in the world in 2021
Best center backs in the world in 2021. Photo Credits – Khel Now

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