Let’s take a look at some of the greatest defensive partnerships of all time.
Centre-backs are a crucial component of any successful football team. They are responsible for maintaining the defensive structure and preventing opposition attackers from scoring goals. Over the years, football has seen some remarkable centre-back duos.
In this article, we’ll be ranking the top 5 centre-back partnerships in football history.
5- Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique
Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique formed an excellent partnership for Barcelona and the Spanish national team. Puyol was a tough and tenacious defender with excellent leadership qualities, while Pique was excellent in aerial duels. Together, the World Cup winners helped Barcelona claim numerous trophies, including three Champions League titles and six La Liga titles.
4- Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane
Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane formed one of the best centre-back partnerships of the modern era for Real Madrid. Ramos is a rugged defender who can score crucial goals, while Varane is a composed and intelligent centre-back with excellent aerial ability. Together, they won four Champions League titles and four La Liga titles for Real Madrid.
3- Franco Baresi and Alessandro Costacurta
Franco Baresi and Alessandro Costacurta formed a formidable partnership for AC Milan during the 1990s. Baresi was the captain and the heart of the Milan defence, while Costacurta was a reliable and consistent centre-back. Together, they won three Champions League titles, five Serie A trophies and two European Super Cups for AC Milan.
2- Paolo Maldini and Alessandro Nesta
Paolo Maldini and Alessandro Nesta were two of the best defenders of their generation. They formed an outstanding partnership for AC Milan and the Italian national team. Maldini was a complete defender who could play anywhere across the backline, while Nesta was a tough-tackling centre-back with excellent positional sense. Together, they won numerous trophies for AC Milan, including five Serie A titles and two Champions League trophies.
1- Franz Beckenbauer and Hans-Georg Schwarzenbeck
Franz Beckenbauer and Hans-Georg Schwarzenbeck formed one of the best centre-back partnerships in history during their spell at Bayern Munich and the German national team in the 1970s. Beckenbauer was a stylish and composed defender, while Schwarzenbeck was a no-nonsense stopper. Together, they won three consecutive European Cups with Bayern Munich from 1974 to 1976 and the 1974 World Cup with Germany.
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