All posts by z3u9t.icu

Over time, we have seen some iconic central defenders come and go, with Italy especially having the knack of producing some of the greatest centre-backs football has ever witnessed.

From Paolo Maldini to Franco Baresi, Gli Azzurri have had some of the best, but who ranks at the top as the premier centre-back?

The Best 15 Centre-Backs in World Football Ranked (2025)

Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk is one of the best defenders in the world.

ByCharlie Smith Nov 20, 2025

Here is a look at 20 of the greatest central defenders in footballing history, factoring in their longevity, consistency at the highest level, while also highlighting team and personal accolades.

20 Fernando Hierro

Starting the countdown is Fernando Hierro, who made more than 600 appearances for Real Madrid during a 14-year stint at the Bernabeu.

Even capable of playing in a defensive midfield role if required, Hierro had unbelievable ability on the ball for a centre-back, something which helped him play in the Premier League at the age of 39. The Spaniard won five La Liga titles and three Champions League trophies with Madrid.

19 Giorgio Chiellini

One of numerous Italians on the list is Giorgio Chiellini, who retired in 2023 at the age of 39 after a glittering 23-year career.

A no-nonsense defender with his aggressive, physical, and tenacious approach, Chiellini proved that an old-fashioned defender can still star in the modern game.

He spent 18 years with Juventus, winning nine Serie A titles and the European Championships with Italy.

18 Thiago Silva

Thiago Silva is one of those defenders who got better with age, starring in Italy, France and England with AC Milan, PSG and Chelsea.

A Champions League winner, Silva was an exceptional reader of the game and made defending at the highest level look incredible easy, while also having brilliant passing vision.

Nicknamed the ‘monster’ due to his imposing playing style, Silva possesses much more quality than just his physical ability.

17 Rio Ferdinand

Compared to Pele by a youth coach at just 11 years of age, Rio Ferdinand transformed into one of England’s best ever centre-backs across a 19-year career.

Quick and agile in his prime, Ferdinand was an extremely composed centre-back and great reader of the game.

Inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame, he won six top flight titles with Man Utd, while also captaining Sir Alex Ferguson’s side to Champions League glory in 2008.

16 Jaap Stam

Another iconic Red Devils centre-back was Jaap Stam, however, his stay at Man Utd was much shorter and his exit was a decision Ferguson regretted the most in his career.

A powerful defender in the air and quick across the grass, Stam was named as the Dutch Player of the Year in 1997 and also won the Champions League at Old Trafford.

15 Ronald Koeman

Continuing the Netherlands theme takes us to Ronald Koeman, who is the greatest goalscoring central defender the game has seen.

Incredibly, Koeman scored more than 250 goals during his career, impressing with his long-range shooting, free kick ability and reliability as a penalty taker.

A European Cup winner with PSV and Barcelona, Koeman, who sometimes played in midfield, was even the Champions League top scorer in 1994, and his defensive attributes were also world-class.

14 ​​​Lilian Thuram

​​​Lilian Thuram saved his only two France goals for the biggest stage, a World Cup semi final win over Croatia in 1998.

Known as an incredibly athletic defender in his prime, Thuram, who can also be considered one of football’s greatest ever right-backs, also starred centrally during a 17-year career which saw him star for Monaco, Parma, Juventus and Barcelona.

Thuram won the World Cup and Euros and was named France’s Player of the Year in 1997.

13 Marcel Desailly

Nicknamed The Rock, Marcel Desailly starred for France across 11 years, helping his country win the World Cup in 1998 and then the Euros in 2000 alongside Thuram.

He was named in the team of the tournaments for both of those triumphs, and at club level, Desailly starred for Nantes, AC Milan and Chelsea.

A versatile centre-back who led by example, Desailly improved any side he went into and arguably went under the radar during his career.

12 Virgil van Dijk

Arguably the best centre-back in world football since his move to Liverpool in 2018, Virgil van Dijk has helped transform the Reds into winners again.

Van Dijk has it all and makes defending look incredibly easy at the highest level. Physical presence, speed, ability on the ball, world-class attackers have struggled to get past the Dutchman on a regular basis.

One of the most expensive centre-backs in history, Van Dijk has been worth every penny of the £75m Liverpool spent.

11 Carles Puyol

A Barcelona and Spain legend, Carles Puyol won everything for club and country and was a part of the most dominant sides the game has ever seen.

Under Pep Guardiola at the Nou Camp, Puyol captained Barcelona to La Liga and Champions League glory, while with Spain, he won the 2008 Euros and 2010 World Cup.

He was named UEFA’s Defender of the Year in 2006 and in the World XI Team of the 21st Century.

Manchester United’s interest in a new midfielder this winter seems to be hotting up. The Red Devils could move on a couple of players in the middle of the park, if recent reports are to be believed.

Ruben Amorim seems happy to get rid of Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte over the coming weeks.

It has not been an easy season for either of those players. Despite his obvious talent, Amorim continues to ignore Mainoo, and the Englishman has yet to start a Premier League game this term.

As for Ugarte, he is merely a squad player at Old Trafford, starting just two league games himself in 2025/26.

Whatever the future of the two midfielders, United seemingly have a few replacements identified.

Man Utd pursuing midfield target

There are a few names that keep popping up when it comes to United’s midfield targets. Two of those are England internationals Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton, both of whom United are interested in signing.

Of course, another player United are constantly linked with is Brighton and Hove Albion star Carlos Baleba.

The 21-year-old was a target over the summer for the Red Devils, and it has been confirmed by The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell that the club had actually ‘agreed personal terms’ with the Cameroonian midfielder at the time, albeit while opting against actually lodging a bid.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

As was the case then, this is not a deal that will come cheap for the 13-time Premier League champions.

They will have to smash their transfer record to sign the midfielder, paying £100m as per a report at the start of December.

However, Tottenham Hotspur are also interested in Baleba and could make a move of their own despite the hefty price tag.

Why Baleba would be an upgrade on Ugarte

It has not actually been the best season for Brighton’s key man in midfield, Baleba. The 21-year-old has featured in all 13 Premier League games, but has struggled for consistency and has not really found his best form.

Indeed, the former Lille star has mustered only 701 minutes in the top flight this term, and has only completed 90 minutes on one occasion.

So far this term, he averages just 7.7 full 90-minute games.

Yet, his importance to the Brighton side when at his best cannot be understated. Described as a “beast” by Matt O’Riley, he played 34 times under Fabian Hurzeler last term, even chipping in with three goals and one assist.

Perhaps the pick of the bunch was this strike against West Ham United, which won him the goal of the month award.

Should United bring Baleba to Old Trafford, he would be a huge upgrade on Ugarte. Since his £50.5m move from Paris Saint-Germain last summer, the Uruguayan international has been underwhelming.

Indeed, once a key player at Sporting under Amorim, Ugarte has struggled to get into the side. He’s only played nine times in the top flight this season, racking up only 301 minutes.

Last term, he was more of a regular, playing 39 times across the Premier League and Europa League, and even chipped in with two goals, but he has fallen firmly out of favour in 2025/26.

After United were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Grimsby Town this season, Red Devils content creator Alex Turk described Ugarte as “embarrassing.”

Indeed, his lack of physicality and progression on the ball is far worse than that of Baleba.

There are stats which back that theory up, too. The Red Devils transfer target averaged 1.34 progressive carries and 6.41 ball recoveries per 90 minutes, compared to Ugarte’s 0.86 progressive carries and 6.12 ball recoveries each game.

Progressive passes

3.54

3.49

Progressive carries

1.34

0.86

Ball recoveries

6.41

6.12

Interceptions

1.55

1.34

Clearances

1.58

1.21

Of course, £100m is a huge investment, but for a player of Baleba’s quality, it might well be worth it.

He is far better than Ugarte in and out of possession, and would bring more of a physical presence to Amorim’s pivot.

This certainly feels like a deal United should try and get over the line, if they want to add better quality in the middle of the park.

Forget Dorgu: Man Utd flop is becoming their biggest liability since Onana

Manchester United have a star who is proving to be unreliable under Ruben Amorim in 2025/26.

ByEthan Lamb Dec 3, 2025

Newcastle United are far from perfect this season, but there is enough quality at Eddie Howe’s disposal for the manager to craft another knockout campaign.

While the Magpies have claimed seven points from nine in the Premier League, they are 12th in the standings; however, the congested nature of the campaign means fourth-place Chelsea only hold a five-point advantage.

Whether Newcastle consolidate a fine run of form over the winter months – as they did last year – remains to be seen, but Howe will take understandable solace in his side’s more polished and coherent recent performances after a tumultuous transfer window.

However, it feels like some outside aid is needed, and with midfield emerging as a priority position for technical director Ross Wilson, it’s no surprise that Elliot Anderson continues to be linked with a return home.

The latest on Elliot Anderson to Newcastle

We all know the story. Newcastle’s PSR problems. Selling Anderson and Yankuba Minteh to circumvent a ban. Shaving fringe quality instead of selling a superstar.

But the 23-year-old midfielder has grown into a force to be reckoned with, Three Lions manager Thomas Tuchel going as far as to call him “one of the best midfielders in the Premier League”.

This is a sentiment shared by Howe, who was candid in discussing why Newcastle sold their prized homegrown talent to a Premier League rival, and underlined his desire to win him back.

Anderson is now a sensation, though, and Premier League tax has been levied by the Tricky Trees, who are set to demand in excess of £100m for a player now being chased by Manchester City and Manchester United too.

Newcastle will try, but this is sure to prove an elusive signature to land.

It’s important that the St. James’ Park side learn from their past mistakes, though, and don’t part with their new version of the Three Lions star.

Newcastle have an even bigger talent than Anderson

He’s had a tough time of late in regard to injuries, but Lewis Hall’s emphatic return to the field at Newcastle has remind English football of the calibre of their exciting up-and-comer.

The 21-year-old has now started three Premier League games in a row for Newcastle, and already he has reshaped the tactical fluency that was sorely missing in the early stages of the campaign. He was instrumental in taking control against Tottenham, and unfortunate not to have claimed three points.

Hailed as “the best player on the field” by reporter Andy Sixsmith, Hall has only just regained full fitness but is indeed reminding the Premier League of his elite quality.

Minutes played

90′

Touches

75

Shots (on target)

3 (0)

Accurate passes

36/43 (84%)

Chances created

0

Dribbles

2/2

Recoveries

6

Tackles won

4/4

Interceptions

2

Clearances

4

Duels won

8/15

He’s so defensively sound while playing dynamically and always looking to develop Tottenham’s attacking patterns through intelligent build-up work and calculated movement.

This is further evidenced through FBref’s data. The platform reveal the England international to rank among the top 10% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 18% for progressive passes, the top 7% for through balls, the top 19% for successful take-ons and the top 7% for tackles won per 90.

Journalist Harry De Cosemo claimed that the young full-back “makes such a difference” when starting from the opening, and no mistake there.

The vultures are bound to start circling before long, and while Newcastle may struggle to re-sign a homegrown talent in Anderson, they may have an even bigger talent in their ranks, and it is crucial that Howe is given the security to build around him.

Shades of Woltemade: Newcastle holding internal talks to sign £21m "magician"

This attacking star could improve Newcastle’s final third quality, just as Nick Woltemade has done of late.

ByJoe Nuttall Dec 4, 2025

Wolves are considering Rui Vitoria as a possible replacement for the sacked Vitor Pereira, but he has a woeful record against the ex-Molineux manager.

Wolves manager shortlist growing

It has been an eventful week at Molineux off the pitch following yet another Premier League defeat for Wolves, who parted ways with Pereira less than 24 hours on after the 3-0 loss at Craven Cottage.

Wolves are winless with just two points from their opening 10 matches and no side has survived in the top flight with so few points at this stage of a season.

Gary O’Neil, who was sacked by Wolves last December, pulled out of the running on Monday after looking likely to return to the Midlands.

It has been reported former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is also under consideration after leaving Bayer Leverkusen in September, whereas Sam Allardyce is also open to the idea of returning to the dugout to try and guide Wolves to safety.

However, a new name is now thought to be on the Molineux radar.

Wolves now eyeing ex-Benfica manager Rui Vitoria

Football FanCast has learned that Vitoria has been sounded out over becoming the fourth Portuguese appointment at Molineux since owners Fosun bought the club in 2016 and would be open to taking over.

The 55-year-old, who plays an attacking 4-3-3 system, won two Portuguese Premeira Liga titles with the Lisbon side in 2016 and 2017 and also won the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr in 2019.

Following an unsuccessful spell in charge of Egypt, whom he failed to guide beyond the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations last year, his most recent appointment was with Greek side Panathinaikos, who sacked him in September after just two league games and a failure to reach the league phase of the Champions League.

In 2017, he became only the second Benfica boss to win a treble of the league, cup and super cup but failed to carry on that success, losing all six Champions League matches the following season before his dismissal in January 2019.

However, during his managerial career, he has lost all five meetings when coming up against former Wolves boss Pereira, but by the looks of things, he is a firm target.

Dream O'Neil alternative: Wolves chasing one of "England's best young coaches"

Celtic appear to be closing in on a “very risky” permanent managerial appointment, as Dermot Desmond looks to bring in the right individual at Parkhead.

The Hoops’ search for their next boss remains ongoing, with Brendan Rodgers’ permanent successor potentially being revealed before the Scottish Premiership gets back underway this weekend.

Wilfried Nancy has emerged as the favourite to be Celtic’s new manager, with the 48-year-old currently in charge of Major League Soccer side Columbus Crew.

Nancy isn’t seen as the only option for the Scottish champions, though, with Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna an exciting young coach who has been linked with coming in for interim manager Martin O’Neill, who spoke recently about his future.

“The gentlemen involved can very easily make up their own minds about people without me interfering in any aspect. I said that I would do it until they found that replacement. And is that possible for next week? I genuinely do not know. My job was to come in and hold the fort, and the minute that someone is appointed, I will step aside.”

Celtic closing in on Nancy as new manager

Speaking to Football Insider, reporter Pete O’Rourke shared what he’s heard about a Parkhead move for Nancy. He revealed that Celtic are edging closer to appointing Nancy as their next manager but said it would be a “very risky” move by the club, due to his lack of experience in Europe.

“I think it’s fair to say that he’s probably the current strong favourite for the Celtic manager’s job, Wilfried Nancy. It would be something of a left-field appointment as there’s not much known about Wilfried Nancy on these shores especially.

“He’s never managed outside of America and has no experience of European football, but he has done a good job with Columbus Crew, winning the MLS Cup and Leagues Cup there. Any managerial appointment is always a gamble but bringing in Nancy, I think would be deemed a very risky move by Celtic.

“His availability is appealing to Celtic as well, because some of their other targets aren’t attainable. “Ipswich are hoping to keep hold of Kieran McKenna, and Kjetil Knutsen is set to stay at Bodo/Glimt at least until the end of their Champions League campaign as well. “Right now, Nancy is the clear front-runner.”

There is definite truth in O’Rourke’s comments, with Nancy only proving his worth in the MLS to date, winning the cup with Columbus and also the Canadian Cup with CF Montreal in that time.

But if Desmond and Hoops chiefs see him as the ideal choice, they need to be trusted, at a point when a deficit needs to be made up on Hearts in the Scottish Premiership title race.

£7.5m MLS star signs to replace Maeda: Predicting Nancy's dream XI at Celtic

With Wilfried Nancy set to become the new Celtic manager, here is the dream XI he could build, featuring three January signings but no Daizen Maeda.

Nov 17, 2025

Nancy is an interesting choice, given his past, and while Celtic fans will be split over who they want to come in, he could be ready to take the big next step in his career.

Nancy could turn "world-class" Celtic star into the new Matt O'Riley