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The FFT 100: Top Ten Defenders

FourFourTwo names the ten defenders we believe are currently the best in the world (in ALPHABETICAL order). FFT's 100 Best Players in the World is in the January edition of FourFourTwo magazine, out December 7.

Dani Alves - Barcelona & Brazil

10. Dani Alves - Barcelona & Brazil

The collective excellence that fills every corner of the current Barcelona team doesn’t lend itself easily to individual analysis. Dani Alves may not produce the swashbuckling virtuoso displays of his Sevilla days but he is certainly no worse off for it. The right-back is disciplined in his defensive work, while still marauding to devastating effect.

Fabio Coentrao - Real Madrid & Portugal

9. Fabio Coentrao - Real Madrid & Portugal

Eyebrows were raised when Coentrao made the switch to Madrid from Benfica, mainly due to the figure paid - a reported €30 million. After only two full seasons for Benfica, the jury was certainly out, but the stylish left–sided player (mainly played at left-back for Los Merengues) hasn’t disappointed and already looks an astute signing by Mourinho.