Defence holds the key to a team's success. The defenders need to be on top of their game for any team to make an impression in a competition as intense as the FIFA World Cup. Onmanorama picks five top defenders who will be on view at Qatar 2022.
Alphonso Davies (Canada)
The 21-year-old is a rock in the Canadian backline and his club German giants Bayern Munich. The left-back is rated as one of the best in the business. Canada are placed in a tough Group F along with European heavyweights Belgium, Croatia and African outfit Morocco. Davies has his task cut out for sure.
Kalidou Koulibaly ((Senegal)
The Senegalese has loads of experience with 64 caps to his name. The 31-year-old centre-back, who moved over to Chelsea this season from Napoli, is vital to Senegal's chances. The African champions will fancy their chances of progressing from Group A consisting of the Netherlanders, hosts Qatar and Ecuador. The onus is on Koulibaly to lead the Senegalese defence.
Marquinhos (Brazil)
The 28-year-old Paris St Germain captain will have a big role to play if Brazil are to win the Cup for a record-extending sixth time. The centre-back, along with captain Thiago Silva, make the Selecao backline tough to breach. He has so far represented the national team 71 times.
Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands)
The experienced centre-back adds solidity to the Dutch defence. The 31-year-old Liverpool player has earned 49 caps for the Oranje so far. He's physically very strong and is integral to the Dutch campaign. The Netherlands are placed in a relatively easy Group A and the real challenge for them will begin in the knockout phase.
Ruben Dias (Portugal)
The Manchester City centre-back will be determined to make it a memorable outing after not featuring in any of Portugal's four games at Russia 2018. The 25-year-old has donned the national colours 39 times. Portugal are placed in a tricky Group H with Ghana, Uruguay and South Korea being the other sides. Dias has to be in his element for sure.
