The Top 10 Centre Backs in the World

What makes for a good centre back?

Here is a list of 10 centre-backs that I feel are the best in the world and an explanation as to why they make the cut.

Do you agree? Please comment below with who you would add or remove for this top 10.

10. Andrea Barzagli

One of the the most consistent centre backs in Serie A. He's one of those players who will just go about his business and you know you can rely on Andrea Barzagli. Also a very good header of the ball and a good tackler. He was a vital factor in the Juventus side that won the league last year.

9. Nemanja Vidic

Don't get me wrong, he's not the centre back of a few years ago, the stalwart defender who attackers feared running at. There is no doubt in my mind though, that Vidic is still one of the 10 best centre backs in world football. He brings heading, tackling and a commanding presence at the back that anyone would want in their team. Manchester United will be pleased to have him fit again.

8. Gerard Pique

Manchester United made a mistake letting this man go. Fact. Sir Alex may have had some memorable successes in terms of bringing players in, but this is one that got away. Some may argue that it's not hard to do well at a team like Barcelona, but in my opinion he is a top quality centre back. His tactical awareness, heading and ability with the ball make him a valuable asset for the Catalan club and one of the best 10 centre back in the world. 

7. Daniel Agger

I may be slated for this choice, but Daniel Agger would be classed one of the best centre backs in the world by many people if he was at a club like Barcelona. He brings a commanding presence to the Liverpool back line. He may not be the best at one particular aspect of defending, but he makes it onto this list due to being good at a variety of aspects. He can head the ball well, his tactical awareness is astute and he is unbelievable with the ball at his feet. A classy defender.

6. Jan Vertonghen

Much like Agger, Jan Vertonghen is a ball playing centre back, a trait most teams now look for throughout their defence. His tactical awareness and tackling have made him a firm fan favourite at Spurs. He is also a goal threat in the box and a natural leader.

5. Sergio Ramos

This man is criticised by many for the risks he takes at the back and his judgement when going into challenges. And you are probably wondering why he is on this list with some of these "flaws". However, these flaws make him the defender he is. It seems like he has been around for ages, but at 27 and coming into the prime of his career, he is a joy to watch. His heading of the ball is brilliant, his ball playing ability is superb. And the passion and enthusiasm he brings into every game is something to admire. He is Spain's best centre back and one of the best in the world.

4. Mats Hummels

Mats Hummels has recently entered the limelight due to his performances for Dortmund in their title winning campaign of a couple of years ago. He is a rock at the back and brings with him a fair few admirable qualities that have brought him to the attention of the masses. He can head the ball, tackle and read the game better than any other in the Bundesliga. If Germany are to succeed at the World Cup in 2014, this man will be essential to it. A top, top centre back. 

3. Giorgio Chiellini

Giorgio Chiellini is the modern day Paolo Maldini. He is an animal for Juventus and Italy and a prominent figure in their road to the Final of Euro 2012. He has the pace and power to compete with the World's most elite players. He heads the ball and reads the game superbly and is the best defender in Serie A for me. It will be a pleasure to watch him play if he lasts as long as Maldini, an absolute rock of a centre back. 

2. Thiago Silva

Thiago Silva is unlucky to find himself as second best centre back in the world on my list. He is a monster of a defender. He has an abundance of pace, a hulk-like power and the one centre back you would want when the opposition is attacking 3 vs 1. Another player who will be vital for their national team in the upcoming World Cup. If this man is on his game (and maybe Neymar too), then Brazil have a great chance of winning the World Cup on home soil.

1. Vincent Kompany

Much like his Belgian counterpart Vertonghen, 'Big Vinnie' is a natural leader. And, for me, the best centre back in the Premier League and the best centre back in the world. He brings together all the factors I have mentioned a good centre back should have at the best level. Consistently brilliant for City and Belgium, this is the man you want in the centre of your defence. When others have faltered for the Manchester outfit, he has been there, kicking and heading any ball that resembles a threat to Joe Hart's goal. A leader and giant of the game. The best centre back in the world.

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Honourable mentions must go to Raphael Varane and David Luiz. If they improve on their inconsistencies, and they will as they get older and gain more experience, they will be on this list if I were to do another. The centre backs I have chosen are my own opinion, some may not agree with me, some might actually think I have it correct. Feel free to leave a justified comment with what you think below.