Here are the top five expensive defenders of all-time.
‘Attack wins you games, but defence wins you Championships’
This analogy has been brought into light by some of the top managers over the last few years. Dissimilar to the attackers, defenders do not get enough credit despite their consistent duties. They perform well at the highest level, but they are often overlooked by the supporters.
When the inflated market drove up the price for the attackers and midfielders, the price for defenders was standstill. The standard of defending has dropped a little low in the few years – increasing the price tag for the world-class defenders. This has seen the transfer record getting shattered five times in the last three years.
We shall look at the top five expensive defenders of all-time in football.
5 AYMERIC LAPORTE (MANCHESTER CITY)
Pep Guardiola was keen on reinforcing his central defence after persisting injury problems to John Stones and Vincent Kompany during the first part of 2017/18 season. The former Barcelona manager shortlisted Virgil Van Dijk, but he was priced out for the defender and already set his heart on Liverpool.
This pressurized him to go in search of another defender and found Aymeric Laporte as a suitable option. The Basque-born French defender was one of the best defenders in the La Liga, and has gone to establish himself as an integral cog of the Citizens side since his £57 million move in January 2018.
The 25-year-old has made 64 appearances for the reigning Premier League champions over the last two seasons. He scored important goals including the one against Brighton and Hove Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers, which orchestrated in City’s title victory.
Pep Guardiola is not prioritising a right centre-back to partner Laporte, although it seems to be a necessity. Both Stones and Otamendi have been fragile since their arrival and it would require more solidity to cut down the leakage of goals which they failed to do without Vincent Kompany last season. Without the Skipper Kompany, Laporte has a titanic role to play in City’s backline as they are in quest of defending the back-to-back Premier League titles.
#4 MATTHIJS DE LIGT (JUVENTUS)
He has established himself as the first choice for the Netherlands by impressing with Ajax. During the summer, he was also part of the Netherlands squad which managed to reach the UEFA Nations League final.
It has particularly not been smooth sailing for the young defender in the traditional white and black in the pre-season games for the young defender, but he will only get better by playing alongside the greats including Giorgio Chellini and Leonardo Bonucci. The Old Lady see him as the main man for years to come and De Ligt could register his name on the history books should he emulate the likes of Gianluigi Buffon and Alessandro Del Piero in Turin.
#3 LUCAS HERNANDEZ (BAYERN MUNICH)
Lucas Hernandez broke through the academy ranks of Atletico Madrid and made his first senior appearance for the club in December 2014. His rise to Los Rojiblancos has been slow, making just 110 appearances in five years at Wanda Metropolitano. Nonetheless, there was no shortage of talent within the French International, who was part of the side which lifted the World Cup in Russia twelve months back.
There are very few versatile players as the 24-year-old, who is proficient as a left-sided centre-back and left-back. The departure of Mats Hummels has left a huge void for Lucas Hernandez to fill at Allianz Stadium. The Borussia Dortmund defender slowed down in recent years, but he was Bayern’s best centre-back last season.
With David Alaba already at disposal, it is likely to see Lucas Hernandez occupy the left side of the centre-back position. Massive expectations lie on his laurel following the £70 million move, which he must do justice.
#2 VIRGIL VAN DIJK (LIVERPOOL)
Jurgen Klopp was brave in his approach by smashing a staggering £75 million on Virgil Van Dijk in January 2018. The German made centre-back option as his number one necessity and was stubborn after the Dutch International’s services after getting caught for tap-up in the summer.
Ever since his arrival, the Reds have grown leaps and bounds in the defensive department. In fact, they conceded as less as 21 goals in the Premier League last season, one lesser than the title winners Manchester City. The likes of Andy Robertson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joel Matip, Joe Gomez, and Dejan Lovren have stepped on their plate after gaining confidence by playing with the best player over the last year, arguably.
His partnership with Alisson Becker in the backline has helped the English side end their trophy drought and clinch the Champions League this summer. Indisputably, Virgil Van Dijk is Liverpool’s most important player in the squad.
#1 HARRY MAGUIRE (MANCHESTER UNITED):
Harry Maguire is yet to complete his formal move to Manchester United, but a mammoth £85 million fee has been agreed, with medical yet to be performed as per the reliable reports. The English International has bid goodbye to his Leicester City teammates and staffs as the deal is expected to be completed in the coming days.
The 26-year-old defender is likely to make his first appearance for the Red Devils against Chelsea during the inaugural weekend of the new Premier League season. With the likes of Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, and Marcos Rojo failing to lift their performances over the last few years, a deal for Harry Maguire was integral to Manchester United’s transfer plans.
The centre-back had an extraordinary World Cup last year which increased his price tag to an unthinkable extent. However, he has to stabilize the whole side with his consistent displays to gain Champions League qualification.
