A strong defence has won many World Cup games over the years! They have to hold onto their concentration and nerves over a period of 90 minutes or more as the case may be! Quite logically, if you do not concede goals there is no chance for you to lose the match! A slip in concentration in defence can decide tournaments! We have listed out a few defenders who will be instrumental if their teams are to win the World Cup.
Vincent Kompany (Belgium)
Though the recent years have been plagued with injury, and given that this might be the last World Cup Kompany will get to play for Belgium, Kompany will be giving his best for this World Cup. While many might argue that Kompany is not at the peak of his powers going into this year’s World Cup, his performances for Manchester City, when he has been fit suggest otherwise. His leadership, physicality and skills on the ball makes a strong case for him as a contender for this World Cup.
Diego Godin (Uruguay)
Diego Godin yet again has had another successful season at the back with Atletico Madrid and their Europa League triumph. Godin is a key player for Uruguay going into the World Cup in Russia this year. Godin is also quite effective offensively and might help his side score a few goals from corner kicks. He is yet again going into the World Cup with an enhanced reputation. His partnership with Atletico teammate Jose Gimenez at the back might life easier for him.
Ashley Young (England)
Ashley Young’s name makes for a surprising inclusion in the list of defenders but here he is! He was snubbed in the last World Cup but he has been re-discovered as a wingback under Jose Mourinho at Manchester United! Currently at 33 years, he is the first choice as left back in Manchester United. Young has excelled as a wing back, so much so that he has sidelined Luke Shaw this year! His most impressive performance was when he neutralized the attacking threat of Liverpool and Mohamed Salah in United’s 2-1 win over Liverpool! However, in the England team, Young will have to compete with Danny Rose from Tottenham Hotspur. This has all the makings of a huge turnaround in Young’s career over a period of past 18 months.
Marquinhos (Brazil)
Marquinhos will be playing as first choice centre-back in this World Cup. He is technically sound and capable of winning aerial battles. His partnership with Inter Milan defender Miranda will be crucial to the chances of Brazil winning this year’s World Cup. The Marquinhos and Miranda partnership at the back will be crucial to making the 2014 World Cup calamity a distant memory.
Sergio Ramos (Spain)
After playing a major hand in Real Madrid’s win in their thirteenth Champions League this year, feisty Sergio Ramos is looking to add another World Cup to his trophy cabinet! The best part about Ramos is his ability to score decisive goals! With the Champions League win fresh in his memory, he is a player any team would like have on their side as opposed to playing against!
Marcelo (Brazil)
Marcelo is another player who had an immensely successful campaign as part of the Champions League winning squad for Real Madrid. He also had a major role to play in the wonderful goal scored by Gareth Bale with an overhead kick! His cross led to the goal. He is a great asset to any team! However, his attacking talents have a downside involved to it, as he cannot be at two places at once. The Brazilian Coach will have to balance his team in a way so that there are no gaps left behind when Marcelo goes on his marauding runs up the field. Casemiro and Fernandinho will have to do well to plug the gaps left at the back when Marcelo goes up the field.
