In less than ten weeks, FIFA 2022 World Cup, the biggest football tournament in the world will commence in Qatar. All the world’s greatest football stars; from attackers to midfielders, and defenders to goalkeepers will represent their countries to compete for soccer’s most coveted prize.
This edition will feature some of the finest defenders in the world of football. They must do what they are known for; to defend the back against dangerous strikers. Here is a compilation of big 20 defenders to watch out for.
Big Defenders To Look Out For At Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup
1. Virgil van Dijk (The Netherlands)
van Dijk's Profile Summary
- Full Name: Virgil van Dijk
- Date of Birth: July 8, 1991
- Age: 33 years old
- Current Club: Liverpool
- Position: Center-Back
- Previous Clubs Played For: Groningen, Celtic, Southampton
- International Career (Years): 9
The 33-year-old Dutch defender will be making his first World Cup appearance for the Oranje in Qatar. He has been phenomenal in the backline for both club and country, and it clearly shows in his Premier League stats; tackle success rate of 69%, 322 interceptions, 1,055 clearances1,269 duels won, and 932 aerial battles won.
2. Raphael Varane (France)
Varane's Profile Summary
- Full Name: Raphael Xavier Varane
- Date of Birth: April 23, 1993
- Age: 31 years old
- Current Club: Manchester United
- Position: Center-Back
- Previous Clubs Played For: Lens, Real Madrid
- International Career (Years): 11
- Previous FIFA World Cup Appearances: 2014, 2018
Qatar 2022 will be Varane’s third World Cup appearance for France after being part of the team that represented his country in the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cups. In 2014, he was nominated for the Best Young Player award, and also played all of France’s seven matches at Russia 2018, which they eventually won.
His defense stats show a 67.9% tackle success rate, 62.4% duels won, and 64.1% aerials duels won.
3. Thiago Silva (Brazil)
Silva's Profile Summary
- Full Name: Thiago Emiliano da Silva
- Date of Birth: September 22, 1984
- Age: 40 years old
- Current Club: Chelsea
- Position: Center-Back
- Previous Clubs Played For: RS Futebol, Juventude, Porto B, Dynamo Moscow (loan), Fluminense, AC Milan, PSG
- International Career (Years): 16
- Previous FIFA World Cup Appearances: 2010, 2014, 2018
40-year-old Brazilian defender, Thiago Silva has been to three World Cups; South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014, and Russia 2018, but was an unused substitute in South Africa. Though he joined Chelsea in 2020, he has an impressive defensive performance; 79% challenges won, 47% interceptions, and 465 passes.
4. Pepe (Portugal)
Pepe's Profile Summary
- Full Name: Kepler Laveran de Lima Ferreira (Pepe)
- Date of Birth: February 26, 1983
- Age: 41 years old
- Current Club: Porto
- Position: Center-Back
- Previous Clubs Played For: Maritimo B, Maritimo, Real Madrid, Besiktas
- International Career (Years): 17
- Previous FIFA World Cup Appearances: 2010, 2014, 2018
Pepe, the former Real Madrid and Besiktas defender represented Portugal at the FIFA World Cup in South Africa, Brazil, and Russia. He is a good defender, but he is known for diving, an act that is frowned upon in football. Rio Ferdinand and Didier Drogba called him out in 2018 for a dive during Portugal’s second group stage encounter against Morocco.
5. Lisandro Martinez (Argentina)
Martinez' Profile Summary
- Full Name: Lisandro Martinez
- Date of Birth: January 18, 1998
- Age: 27 years old
- Current Club: Manchester United
- Position: Center-Back
- Previous Clubs Played For: Newell’s Old Boys, Defensa y Justicia, Ajax
- International Career (Years): 5
27-year-old Argentine defender, Lisandro Martinez earned the nickname “The Butcher” due to his aggressive football. Though he plays mainly as a center-back, he can play as a left-back and as a central midfielder.
With his style of play, strikers, and midfielders shout watch out
6. Trent Alexander-Arnold (England)
Trent-Alexander's Profile Summary
- Full Name: Trent John Alexander-Arnold
- Date of Birth: October 7, 1998
- Age: 26 years old
- Current Club: Liverpool
- Position: Right-Back
- International Career (Years): 6
- Previous FIFA World Cup Appearances: 2018
Trent Alexander-Arnold will be his second World Cup appearance in Qatar after being of England’s team at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. The English defender has impressed for both club and country and is considered one of the best right-backs in football. He has received several accolades for his defensive skills, including 2019/20 PFA Young Player of the Year and Premier League Young Player of the Season.
7. Kalidou Koulibaly (Senegal)
Koulibaly's Profile Summary
- Full Name: Kaldou Kevin Koulibaly
- Date of Birth: June 20, 1991
- Age: 33 years old
- Current Club: Chelsea
- Position: Center-Back
- Previous Clubs Played For: Metz II, Metz, Genk, Napoli
- International Career (Years): 9
- Previous FIFA World Cup Appearances: 2018
Senegalese defender, Kalidou Koulibaly is going to the World Cup for the second time. His first outing was at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, where he played all three matches, as his country failed to go beyond the group stage. He went on to captain his side to the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations title, in which he scored the first penalty against Egypt.
8. Antonio Rudiger (Germany)
Rudiger's Profile Summary
- Full Name: Antonio Rudiger
- Date of Birth: March 3, 1993
- Age: 32 years old
- Current Club: Real Madrid
- Position: Center-Back
- Previous Clubs Played For: VfB Stuttgart II, VfB Stuttgart, Roma, Chelsea
- International Career (Years): 10
- Previous FIFA World Cup Appearances: 2018
32-year-old German and former Chelsea defender replaced injured Mat Hummels during Germany’s 2018 FIFA Word second group stage encounter with Sweden. Three years later, he was listed in his country’s squad for the UEFA Euro 2020, where he played every minute of Germany’s games until their elimination by England in the round of 16.
9. Dejan Lovren (Croatia)
Lovren's Profile Summary
- Full Name: Dejan Lovren
- Date of Birth: July 5, 1989
- Age: 35 years old
- Current Club: Zenit Saint Petersburg
- Position: Center-Back
- Previous Clubs Played For: Dinamo Zagreb, Inter Zapresic, Lyon, Southampton, Liverpool
- International Career (Years): 15
- Previous FIFA World Cup Appearances: 2014, 2018
Croatian defender, Dejan Lovren represented his country in the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cup in Brazil and Russia, respectively. In addition, he helped Croatia to reach the final of Russia 2018 where they were beaten 4-2 by France.
10. Jordi Alba (Spain)
Alba's Profile Summary
- Full Name: Jordi Alba Ramos
- Date of Birth: March 21, 1989
- Age: 39 years old
- Current Club: Barcelona
- Position: Left-Back
- Previous Clubs Played For: Cornella, Valencia B, Gimnastic (loan), Valencia
- International Career (Years): 14
- Previous FIFA World Cup Appearances: 2014, 2018
Qatar 2022 will be Jordi Alba’s third FIFA World Cup experience. He was part of Spain’s squad at the Brazil 2014 and Russia 2018.
Being an experienced defender, he is definitely one of those to watch out for come November 20, 2022.
See Also-20 Big Players To Watch Out For At Qatar World Cup 2022
11. Dani Carvajal (Spain)
Carvajal's Profile Summary
- Full Name: Daniel “Dani” Carjaval Ramos
- Date of Birth: January 11, 1992
- Age: 33 years old
- Current Club: Real Madrid
- Position: Right-Back
- Previous Clubs Played For: Real Madrid B, Bayer Leverkusen
- International Career (Years): 10
- Previous FIFA World Cup Appearances: 2018
33-year-old Spanish and Real Madrid defender, Dani Carjaval made his national team debut in 2014, and has represented the country at regional and international competitions, including the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. Qatar 2022 will be his second FIFA World Cup experience.
12. Kyle Walker (England)
Walker's Profile Summary
- Full Name: Kylie Andrew Walker
- Date of Birth: May 28, 1990
- Age: 34 years old
- Current Club: Manchester City
- Position: Right-Back
- Previous Clubs Played For: Sheffield United, Northampton Town (loan), Tottenham Hotspur, Sheffield United (loan), Queens Park Rangers (loan), Aston Villa (loan)
- International Career (Years): 13
- Previous FIFA World Cup Appearances: 2018
Kylie Walker’s performance in the backline has always earned him praises and won the heart of his coaches at the country and club levels. Since his national team debut in 2011, the England defender has played at the UEFA Euro 2016, the 2018 FIFA World, and UEFA Euro 2020. Furthermore, he was named in the PFA Team of the year in 2011/12, 2016/17, and 2017/18.
13. Matthijs de Ligt (The Netherlands)
de Ligt's Profile Summary
- Full Name: Matthijs de Ligt
- Date of Birth: August 12, 1999
- Age: 25 years old
- Current Club: Bayern Munich
- Position: Center-Back
- Previous Clubs Played For: Jong Ajax, Ajax, Juventus
- International Career (Years): 7
25-year-old Dutch defender, Matthijs de Ligt will his first World Cup appearance at Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup. The former Juventus player earned praises for his clean tackling, alertness, marking, height, strength, pace, and accurate passing.
The eyes of the world will be upon him in Qatar.
14. Joao Cancelo (Portugal)
Cancelo's Profile Summary
- Full Name: Joao Pedro Cavaco Cancelo
- Date of Birth: May 27, 1994
- Age: 30 years old
- Current Club: Manchester City
- Position: Full-Back, Wing-Back
- Previous Clubs Played For: Benfica B, Benfica, Valencia, Inter Milan (loan), Juventus
- International Career (Years): 8
Despite being included in Portugal’s 2018 FIFA World Cup 35-man preliminary squad, the former Juventus defender didn’t make the list. Regardless, he helped his country to win the 2019 UEFA National Final, beating the Netherland 1-0. He also missed out on the UEFA Euro 2020 after he tested positive for covid-19 two days before Portugal’s opening match against Hungary.
Qatar 2022 will give him the opportunity to show the world his speed, energy, and offensive capabilities.
15. Ruben Dias (Portugal)
Dias' Profile Summary
- Full Name: Ruben dos Santos Gato Alves Dias
- Date of Birth: May 14, 1997
- Age: 27 years old
- Current Club: Manchester City
- Position: Center-Back
- Previous Clubs Played For: Benfica B, Benfica
- International Career (Years): 7
- Previous FIFA World Cup Appearances: 2018
27-year-old Portuguese defender, Ruben Dias didn’t play any of his country’s fours matches at the 2018 FIFA World Cup despite being part of the squad. Now, he looking to prove in Qatar that his coaches made a mistake by not giving him playing time in Russia.
His ability to pass with both feet in different directions, passing quality/accuracy, and pace will be his selling point.
16. Andreas Christensen (Denmark)
Christensen's Profile Summary
- Full Name: Andreas Bodtker Christensen
- Date of Birth: Aril 10, 1996
- Age: 28 years old
- Current Club: Barcelona
- Position: Center-Back
- Previous Clubs Played For: Chelsea, Borussia Monchengladbach (loan)
- International Career (Years): 9
- Previous FIFA World Cup Appearances: 2018
Danish defender, Andreas Christensen made his World Cup debut in Russia 2018, where he played a part in helping Denmark reach the tournament’s last 16. Due to his style of play, he was dubbed the “Danish Maldini”, in comparison to the iconic Italian defender Paolo Maldini.
He will be key to Denmark’s defense in Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup.
17. Marquinhos (Brazil)
Marquinhos' Profile Summary
- Full Name: Marcos Aoas Correa (Marquinhos)
- Date of Birth: May 14, 1994
- Age: 30 years old
- Current Club: Paris Saint-Germain
- Position: Defensive Midfielder
- Previous Clubs Played For:
- International Career (Years): 11
- Previous FIFA World Cup Appearances: 2018
Marquinhos; 30, is one defender to watch out for at the 2022 FIFA World in Qatar. His current defensive stats show he conceded 4 and 3 goals for PSG and Brazil, which is a good defensive record.
18. Niklas Sule (Germany)
https://www.instagram.com/p/CTcy6mMMhUh/?hl=en
Sule's Profile Summary
- Full Name: Niklas sule
- Date of Birth: September 3, 1995
- Age: 29 years old
- Current Club: Borussia Dortmund
- Position: Center-Back
- Previous Clubs Played For: Hoffenheim II, Hoffenheim, Bayern Munich
- International Career (Years): 8
- Previous FIFA World Cup Appearances: 2018
Niklas Sule had an experience in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, but it was a bitter one. His first match at the completion was Germany’s last group match against South Korea, in which they were eliminated after losing 2-0. Qatar 2022 will be another opportunity for him to show how a good defender he is.
19. Jan Vertonghen (Belgium)
Vertinghen's Profile Summary
- Full Name: Jan Bert Lieve Vertonghen
- Date of Birth: April 24, 1987
- Age: 37 years old
- Current Club: Anderlecht
- Position: Central Defender
- Previous Clubs Played For: Ajax, RKC (loan), Tottenham Hotspur, Benfica
- International Career (Years): 0
- Previous FIFA World Cup Appearances: 2014, 2018
The Belgian is regarded as one of the best center-backs in Europe. He is known for height, strength, and speed. Vertonghen will be Belgium’s defense in Qatar; since he helped the team to a third-place finish at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
20. Presnel Kimpembe (France)
Kimpembe's Profile Summary
- Full Name: Presnel Kimpembe
- Date of Birth: August 13, 1995
- Age: 29 years old
- Current Club: Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)
- Position: Center-Back
- Previous Clubs Played For: Paris Saint-Germain B
- International Career (Years): 6
- Previous FIFA World Cup Appearances: 2018
29-year-old Kimpembe will be making a second FIFA World Cup appearance in Qatar after helping “Les Blues” lift their second FIFA World Cup trophy in Russia. He has been described by the former French defender, William Gallas as the future of the French team.
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