Re: Reassessment: Who are the 5 best CB's in the world at the moment?

by Robespierre Wed Feb 26, 2014 12:48 am

Unbielevable how much is dropped the level of central defenders... some names Never would have been considered 10-15 years ago Laughing

by Forza Wed Feb 26, 2014 1:02 am

Robespierre wrote:Unbielevable how much is dropped the level of central defenders... some names Never would have been considered 10-15 years ago

I agree. Some people would claim that this sentiment is just notsalgia, but that's certainly not the case. For me, the only CB who is approaching the level of some of the greats of 10 years ago is T. Silva. Benatia has been consistently very good this season for Roma and a step above his solid, but unspectacular, performances at Udinese. I'm really not sure how to rate Arsenal CB's, because they are hyped and re-hyped every season, but are always a bit shaky when I watch them against good opposition. Arsenal often have great defensive stats in the league, but then crumble at the round of 16 in Europe against higher quality opponents. Barzagli, whilst having been reliable and strong for Juve under Conte, is not at the level of proficiency of someone like Nesta. Same goes for Chiellini. Miranda and Godin are solid, but by no means top class. I am also sceptical of Kompany's positioning and awareness to threats. Dante and Boateng are technically good, but are both mistake-prone. Terry is perhaps a CB that deserves some recognition for maintaining a relatively high standard towards the end of his career, which is a sign of technical proficiency.

by Art Morte Wed Feb 26, 2014 1:25 am

I just feel it's never been more difficult to get recognized for your defensive qualities only.

by McAgger Wed Feb 26, 2014 1:54 am

Forza wrote:
McAgger wrote:Thiago Silva
Mertesacker
Mehdi Benatia
Andrea Barzagli

are clear top 4 for me

Koscielny
Kompany
Chiellini
Leandro Castan
Miranda

And then one of those is in and out of top 5
So you would say that Merte is the best CB in the Prem without doubt?

Yes he is. And I have said that a million times already this season. When he doesn't have to carry Kos or his fullbacks or the DM (Arteta, Flamini or whoever) he's absolutely humongous. If his teammates did their job, Arsenal probably have one of the best defenses in Europe and mostly due to Merte's quality and organization skills. He doesn't posses any sort of pace but he compensates to perfection with his reading of the game, which for me is better than any defender today.

by Hapless_Hans Wed Feb 26, 2014 8:43 am

Ganso wrote:tbf Dante was a top 5 CB last season.This season Pep's system is exposing him and Boateng, both ok CBs

mmhmm, 9 conceded goals in the league after 22 games, best defense in Europe, no game lost, clearly the work of 'ok centerbacks' being 'exposed' by Pep's system.

by urbaNRoots Wed Feb 26, 2014 9:20 am

Top 5 combined from PL and BL this season, in my opinion:

Terry, Koscielny, Boateng, Matip and Mertesacker/Cahill - in no order

by halamadrid2 Wed Feb 26, 2014 9:34 am

Pepe
Kompany
Terry
Miranda
Koscielny

by Rossoneri Ninja Wed Feb 26, 2014 9:49 am

I truly doubt whether Arsenal have world class or top 5 centrebacks. Defensively they are doing better than they have done in past years, but i see nothing special in Kos nor Mertesacker to call them the best. I'd put them in the overall top 5 in Bpl but not world wide, the games against City and liverpool is something that shouldn't be overlooked.

by Adit Wed Feb 26, 2014 2:08 pm

Its hilarious that many names mentioned here never performed in CL. Ripping it up in league alone shouldnt be a standard.

by Arquitecto Wed Feb 26, 2014 2:24 pm

In no particular order:-

Thiago Silva
Per Mertesacker
Andrea Barzagli
Giorgio Chiellini
Mats Hummels

by Le Samourai Wed Feb 26, 2014 2:51 pm

Sergio
Pepe
Mertesacker
Koscienly
Kompany.

by M99 Wed Feb 26, 2014 6:10 pm

Le Samourai wrote:Sergio
Pepe
Mertesacker
Koscienly
Kompany.

by VivaStPauli Wed Feb 26, 2014 6:29 pm

Robespierre wrote:Unbielevable how much is dropped the level of central defenders... some names Never would have been considered 10-15 years ago :lol:

Because they were like 15 years old then?

by Robespierre Wed Feb 26, 2014 6:55 pm

VivaStPauli wrote:
Robespierre wrote:Unbielevable how much is dropped the level of central defenders... some names Never would have been considered 10-15 years ago
Because they were like 15 years old then?

Also..

Forza wrote:
Robespierre wrote:Unbielevable how much is dropped the level of central defenders... some names Never would have been considered 10-15 years ago
I agree. Some people would claim that this sentiment is just notsalgia, but that's certainly not the case. For me, the only CB who is approaching the level of some of the greats of 10 years ago is T. Silva. Benatia has been consistently very good this season for Roma and a step above his solid, but unspectacular, performances at Udinese. I'm really not sure how to rate Arsenal CB's, because they are hyped and re-hyped every season, but are always a bit shaky when I watch them against good opposition. Arsenal often have great defensive stats in the league, but then crumble at the round of 16 in Europe against higher quality opponents. Barzagli, whilst having been reliable and strong for Juve under Conte, is not at the level of proficiency of someone like Nesta. Same goes for Chiellini. Miranda and Godin are solid, but by no means top class. I am also sceptical of Kompany's positioning and awareness to threats. Dante and Boateng are technically good, but are both mistake-prone. Terry is perhaps a CB that deserves some recognition for maintaining a relatively high standard towards the end of his career, which is a sign of technical proficiency.

agreed 100%