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In this post, we will check out the top 10 best centre backs in the world in 2023.

The role of a centre-back in football is crucial in ensuring a team’s defensive solidity. With their ability to read the game and make crucial tackles and interceptions, a great center-back can make all the difference in a team’s success.

In 2023, the footballing world is blessed with an abundance of talented defenders who have proven their worth at the highest level.

In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 best centre-backs in the world in 2023. These players have demonstrated their excellence in their respective leagues, and on the international stage, with their defensive skills, leadership, and consistent performances.

From seasoned veterans to young and upcoming stars, this list covers the best of the best in the world of football. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the top 10 best centre-backs in the world in 2023.

Top 10 Best Centre Backs In The World 2023

10. Cristian Romero

Cristian Romero has emerged as one of the best centre backs in the world in 2023. He has been making waves in the football world due to his impressive performances for his club and country.

The Argentine defender has a unique style of play that sets him apart from his peers. He is an aggressive defender who is known for his tackling abilities, aerial prowess, and composure on the ball.

One of Romero’s biggest strengths is his ability to read the game. He has an excellent understanding of when to make tackles and interceptions, and his positioning on the pitch is impeccable. His aerial prowess is also noteworthy, as he is a threat in both boxes.

Romero is also known for his composure on the ball. He is comfortable playing out from the back and is not afraid to take risks.

He has excellent passing abilities and is often the player who starts attacks for his team. His ability to transition from defence to attack quickly makes him a valuable asset for any team.

In conclusion, Cristian Romero has proven himself to be one of the top-rated center-backs worldwide.

9. William Saliba

William Saliba is a French professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for the Premier League club Arsenal and the France national team.

He is the talk of the town and played a major role in Arsenal’s defense and is functioning at an extremely high level.

He is still 21 years old and has shown the world what he is capable of during the recent season with Arsenal.

Saliba is looking for a spot in France’s senior squad and has already wondered with Arsenal’s hugely amazing start to their Premier League campaign. William Saliba is number 9 in our list of the world’s best 10 center backs.

8. Aymeric Laporte

Aymeric Laporte is a French professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Premier League club Manchester City and the Spain national team.

In January 2018, he signed for Manchester City. He was part of the side which won the first domestic treble in English men’s football in 2019.

He’s not just a great defender, he’s a wonderful footballer too. He makes and creates on the pitch with his amazing vision.

Even Pep Guardiola says Aymeric Laporte is the “best left-sided central defender in the world. Aymeric Laporte is number 8 in our list of the top 10 best centre-backs in the world.

7. Kalidou Koulibaly

Kalidou Koulibaly has firmly established himself as one of the best best 10 central defenders worldwide. The Senegalese defender has consistently impressed with his commanding performances for both club and country, earning widespread praise for his defensive abilities, physicality, and leadership qualities.

In 2014, he was signed by Napoli, and since then he has been a cornerstone of their defense, making over 200 appearances for the Italian giants. He is currently playing for Chelsea in the Premier League.

One of Koulibaly’s greatest strengths is his physical presence. He stands at an imposing 6’4” and possesses remarkable strength, pace, and agility.

He uses these attributes to great effect, regularly overpowering opponents and making crucial tackles and interceptions. His aerial prowess is also a significant asset, as he is an accomplished header of the ball, both in defense and attack.

Koulibaly’s defensive awareness and positioning are exceptional, allowing him to read the game and anticipate danger. He is a tenacious defender who relishes the challenge of facing the world’s best attackers, and his no-nonsense approach often makes it difficult for opposing forwards to get past him.

His composure on the ball and ability to start attacks from the back also adds to his value as a modern center back.

He has proven himself to be a world-class defender with exceptional physical attributes, defensive skills, and leadership qualities.

6. Eder Militao

Eder Militao is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Real Madrid and the Brazil national team.

He is a central defender, and can also play as a right-back or defensive midfielder. He joined Real Madrid for a transfer fee of €50 million.

He won a total of two La Liga titles, and the Champions League in 2022. He was part of their teams that won the Copa América in 2019 and came runners-up in 2021.

Militao is a powerful defender who attacks the ball with intent. He is surely the next big thing at Real Madrid.

5. Antonio Rudiger

Antonio Rudiger is a German football player who plays for Real Madrid FC. He was signed by Chelsea in 2017 for an estimated £27 million.

The German international has been a key player for Chelsea in the Premier League, helping them to win multiple titles, including the Champions League.

Rudiger’s strength, pace, and tackling ability make him a formidable presence in defense, and his leadership qualities have also been instrumental in guiding his team to success.

His performances at the international level have also been impressive, as he has been an integral part of the German national team.

Rudiger’s versatility and adaptability to different tactical systems have also been key attributes that make him stand out as a world-class center-back.

One of the most notable aspects of Rudiger’s game is his physicality, which he uses to great effect in dominating opposing forwards.

He is also comfortable on the ball and possesses excellent passing skills, making him a vital asset in launching counter-attacks from defense.

Rudiger’s performances have earned him widespread recognition, and he has been included in numerous top ten lists of the greatest 10 central defenders on the planet 2023.

4. Virgil Van Dijk

Virgil van Dijk is a Dutch professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for the English club Liverpool and the Netherlands national team.

Van Dijk is comprehended for his power, leadership, and aerial ability. He is the only defender to win UEFA Men’s Player of the Year and has finished runner-up for the Ballon d’Or and Best FIFA Men’s Player.

With Liverpool, Van Dijk reached back-to-back UEFA Champions League finals in 2018 and 2019, besting the latter.

He was also anointed PFA Players’ Player of the Year and the Premier League Player of the Season in his first full season.

He may not be enacting his capabilities now, but Van Dijk will undoubtedly return to his high standards in the expected period. Virgil van Dijk is number 4 in our list of 10 best centre backs in the world.

3. Ruben Dias

Ruben Dias is a Portuguese footballer who plays as a centre-back for Premier League club Manchester City and the Portugal national team. 

He signed for Premier League club Manchester City in September 2020 for a reported fee of €68 million.

Dias won the league title and EFL Cup in his first season, while also reaching the UEFA Champions League final.

Dias is also positionally leading and cozy at defending one-on-one situations. Ruben Dias is number 3 in our list of the top 10 best centre-backs in the world in 2023.

2. Marquinhos

Marquinhos is a Brazilian footballer who plays as a central defender for Paris Saint-Germain and the Brazil national team.

In July 2013, he transferred to Paris Saint-Germain for €31.4 million on a five-year contract. He has won 25 trophies at the club, including seven Ligue 1 titles.

He later took part in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the 2019 Copa América, and the 2021 Copa América, winning the 2019 title.

Marquinhos is a complete show-stopper for the French champions, has scored goals since becoming a skipper, and his positioning, physicality, and passing ability are amazing.

1. David Alaba

David Alaba is an Austrian international who plays as a defender for Real Madrid and the Austrian national team.

Alaba is widely considered one of the best defenders of his generation. Alaba made more than 400 appearances for Bayern Munich, winning a total of 27 honors.

The trophies include ten Bundesliga titles and two UEFA Champions League titles in 2013 and 2020, both as part of trebles. 

Alaba signed for Real Madrid; he won the 2021–22 La Liga, Supercopa, and Champions League titles in his debut season.

He’s one of the best left-backs, a promising midfielder, and a worthy left-winger. David Alaba tops the list of top 10 defenders in the world in 2023.