Profiles of world football's top defenders
Sometimes the most underrated of all players, football wouldn't be half the exciting sport it is without the input, talent and determination shown by the world's foremost exponents of the defensive arts.
Lúcio
A key member of Bayern Munich's defensive back line, Lucio is a strong composed defender who has the ability to push forward quickly. Lucio has also excelled on the international stage as a integral member of the Brazilian national team.
A key member of Bayern Munich's defensive back line, Lucio is a strong composed defender who has the ability to push forward quickly. Lucio has also excelled on the international stage as a integral member of the Brazilian national team.
Ricardo Carvalho
Ricardo Carvalho, playing for FC Porto and Chelsea, has succeeded in established himself as a strong and reliable defender who has competed to a high standard in both domestic and european competitions.
Ricardo Carvalho, playing for FC Porto and Chelsea, has succeeded in established himself as a strong and reliable defender who has competed to a high standard in both domestic and european competitions.
Alessandro Nesta
Alessandro Nesta is one of the most well known and respected footballers in world football thanks to his impressive defensive abilities.
Alessandro Nesta is one of the most well known and respected footballers in world football thanks to his impressive defensive abilities.
Ashley Cole
Ashley Cole has become an integral member of the current Chelsea squad and has established himself as one of the strongest and most talented left backs playing in the English Premiership. In addition to this Cole is a current member of the England squad and was a participant in the recent 2006 FIFA World Cup.
Ashley Cole has become an integral member of the current Chelsea squad and has established himself as one of the strongest and most talented left backs playing in the English Premiership. In addition to this Cole is a current member of the England squad and was a participant in the recent 2006 FIFA World Cup.
Daniel Alves
Daniel Alves is an exciting and multi-functional player who can easily slot into a variety of roles on the football pitch including right back, midfield and right wing. His virtuoso performances at Sevilla have brought him into the spotlight of world football.
Daniel Alves is an exciting and multi-functional player who can easily slot into a variety of roles on the football pitch including right back, midfield and right wing. His virtuoso performances at Sevilla have brought him into the spotlight of world football.
Fabio Cannavaro
Career history and background of Italian World Cup winning captain and central defensive lynchpin Fabio Cannavaro
Career history and background of Italian World Cup winning captain and central defensive lynchpin Fabio Cannavaro
John Terry
Chelsea and England football captain John Terry has established himself as one of Europe's top central defenders over the past few years as he has guided Chelsea to back-to-back English Premiership titles and cemented his place in the England starting eleven.
Chelsea and England football captain John Terry has established himself as one of Europe's top central defenders over the past few years as he has guided Chelsea to back-to-back English Premiership titles and cemented his place in the England starting eleven.
Ledley King
A product ofthe Tottenham Hotspur youth system, club captain Ledley King has grown into one of the finest central defenders in the English game. Composed on the ball and possessed with a quick turn of pace and eye for a tackle, King brings a composure and eloquence to the art of defending.
A product ofthe Tottenham Hotspur youth system, club captain Ledley King has grown into one of the finest central defenders in the English game. Composed on the ball and possessed with a quick turn of pace and eye for a tackle, King brings a composure and eloquence to the art of defending.
Paolo Maldini
AC Milan's top defender and talisman Paolo Maldini has established himself as one of the most respected players in football
AC Milan's top defender and talisman Paolo Maldini has established himself as one of the most respected players in football
Rio Ferdinand
Rio Ferdinand is one of the most talented and reliable defenders currently playing in European football.
Rio Ferdinand is one of the most talented and reliable defenders currently playing in European football.
Roberto Ayala
Roberto Ayala is the most capped player ever to play for Argentina and he has enjoyed the same sort of success at club level becoming renowned as one of the most reliable and aware defenders in world football.
Roberto Ayala is the most capped player ever to play for Argentina and he has enjoyed the same sort of success at club level becoming renowned as one of the most reliable and aware defenders in world football.
William Gallas
French central defender William Gallas has succeeded in establishing himself as an impressive defender well renowned for his strength and pace for both Chelsea and Arsenal in the English Premier League.
French central defender William Gallas has succeeded in establishing himself as an impressive defender well renowned for his strength and pace for both Chelsea and Arsenal in the English Premier League.