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The best in the game are formidable and assertive but are also blessed with the grace to time tackles and anticipate a striker's movements in order to win back possession.

Elegance on the ball and off it is essential, whether they're playing a weighted pass upfield or feinting their way past opponents to ease the pressure.

All stats provided by ESPN Research; all ages and teams correct as of June 1.

The 2024-25 FC 100, position by position

Go to: Goalkeeper | Fullbacks | Center backs | Defensive/central midfielders | Attacking midfielders | Wingers |Center forwards

Van Dijk has reclaimed his position as the best center back in men's soccer following Liverpool's dominant push to the Premier League title. Illustration by Masa

Huijsen confirmed a move to Real Madrid on May 17, 2025

What makes him special: Dutch-born, Spanish-bred, Italian-buttered and Bournemouth-seasoned, he's on his way to Real Madrid.

Rank in 2024 FC 100 (all defenders): Unranked.

One key stat: Scored two game-winning goals in the Premier League this season, tied for second most among defenders.

Why he's on the list: Huijsen was born in Amsterdam, but his parents moved to Málaga, Spain, when he was 5 and he had to decide which country to represent (he opted for Spain).

10, giving him a rare profile for his position.

Rank in 2024 FC 100 (all defenders): Unranked.

One key stat: Led the Premier League with 242 clearances.

Why he's on the list: Players always say that the hardest season is the season after a top campaign, because producing at the same level or better for a second year is very difficult.

-- Julien Laurens

What makes him special: A warrior on the pitch, Konaté's confidence with or without the ball is perfect for the Reds' front-foot defending.

Rank in 2024 FC 100 (all defenders): 23

One key stat: Had the third-highest on-field goal difference in the Premier League among central defenders (plus-31).

Why he's on the list: Konaté has had many impressive moments in a Liverpool shirt, but this has arguably been his best season at the club since he joined from RB Leipzig in summer 2021.

-- Sam Marsden

What makes him special: A calm and cultured center back whose composure has been essential to Inter's Champions League run and continued Serie A success.

Rank in 2024 FC 100 (all defenders): 11

One key stat: His 252 defensive interventions were the second most among Inter Milan players in Serie A this season (Nicolo Barella, 254).

Why he's on the list: A vital part of the Inter team that won Serie A titles in 2021 and 2024 and reached the Champions League final in 2023 and 2025, Bastoni is seemingly underrated by virtue of playing in Italy.

GABRIEL, Arsenal/Brazil, 27

What makes him special: A leader at the back and a lethal presence on set pieces.

Rank in 2024 FC 100 (all defenders): Unranked.

One key stat: Despite missing a large part of the 2024-25 campaign, he scored three Premier League goals for a third straight season, something no other defender has done in that span.

Why he's on the list: Gabriel has emerged as one of the most reliable and commanding center backs in the Premier League since signing for Arsenal from Lille for £27 million in September 2020.

-- Alex Kirkland

What makes him special: He's the complete modern defender -- smooth, stylish and quick.

Rank in 2024 FC 100 (all defenders): 2

Key stats: Appeared in 30 shutouts in the past two Premier League seasons, most of any Premier League player in that span, and set Premier League career highs in tackles (62), clearances (118) and aerial duels won percentage (62%) this past season.

Why he's on the list: Saliba was bordering on being a laughingstock after joining Arsenal in 2019 from Saint-Etienne.
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