10 – Ronald Araujo
Araujo gradually became a pillar of Barcelona’s defense. The 24-year-old midfielder possesses an ideal physical and fitness foundation. Araujo locked down many of Europe’s top attacking stars when facing Barcelona.
Araujo is Barcelona’s mainstay.
The ability to play well with his feet is another outstanding strength of Araujo. Besides the role of centre-back, the Uruguayan star can play well in the right-back position when needed.
9 – Virgil van Dijk
Despite his declining performance, Van Dijk is still highly appreciated by experts. The Dutch midfielder possesses excellent foot play and situational judgment in addition to intelligent defensive thinking.
Currently, Van Dijk plays the role of the mainstay of Liverpool’s defense. One of the best midfielders in the world.
8 – Cristian Romero
Romero stands out for his strong, fierce defense. The Argentinian midfielder possesses the ability to play with his feet and good in the air. Romero was highly appreciated under the reigns of coaches Antonio Conte and Ange Postecoglou. Romero combined with Micky van de Ven to form a solid shield in front of the Rooster’s goal.
7 – Kim Min-jae
Min-jae in Bayern Munich shirt.
The Korean midfielder has developed dramatically in the 12 months since arriving at Napoli from Fenerbahce. Min-jae won the Serie A championship with Napoli last season.
That became a stepping stone to help Min-jae join Bayern Munich this summer. The Korean star is considered the mainstay of the Bavarian Gray Tigers’ defense.
6 – Josko Gvardiol
Gvardiol received many expectations when he arrived at Man City this summer. The Croatian star is a modern midfielder, good at using his feet, capable of one-on-one, and impressive in holding the ball.
“He has a big body and a tough personality. Gvardiol has no problems in dueling situations. Gvardiol possesses good speed and excellent reflexes. The special thing about Gvardiol is that he always finds a way to move the ball forward,” former Dinamo Zagreb head coach Damir Krznar shared.
5 – Antonio Rudiger
Rudiger in Real Madrid shirt.
Rudiger accepted the challenge of leaving Chelsea and landing at Real Madrid in the summer of 2022. The German midfielder had an impressive performance on Chelsea’s journey to winning the Champions League.
Rudiger is an agile central defender who reads situations well with a fiery style of play and a desire to win.
4 – William Saliba
Saliba left a strong impression on Arsenal’s journey to finish 2nd in the Premier League 2022/2023. This season, the French midfielder continues to prove his pivotal role in the Gunners defense. One of the best ‘rocks’ in the Premier League today.
3 – David Alaba
The former Bayern Munich player is strong in his ability to hold the ball and launch attacks from home. In full health, Alaba occupies a regular starting position for Real Madrid.
2 – John Stones
Stones experienced a brilliantly successful 2022/2023 season. The English star ‘evolved’ under Pep Guardiola as he could play well in both central defender and central midfielder roles. The ability to play with his feet, hold the ball, and read situations makes Stones a powerful weapon in Pep’s hands.
1 – Ruben Dias
Dias is a pillar of Man City.
Dias left a bold mark on Man City’s journey to winning the historic treble. The Portuguese star is considered one of the best midfielders in the world today. The former Benfica star brings steel and stability to Man City’s defense.
Mr. Nguyen | 11:47 September 19, 2023
