Top 5 Best Young Centre-Backs in Football Under 24

Best Young Centre-Backs in Football

In the ever-evolving landscape of modern football, where young prodigies emerge from obscurity to captivate the hearts of fans and pundits alike, one name that has consistently graced the headlines is that of Josko Gvardiol. The Croatian defender, just 24 years of age, has established himself as one of the most promising center-backs in the world, showcasing an exceptional blend of athleticism, technical prowess, and an uncanny ability to read the game. Gvardiol’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of meteoric, capturing the attention of some of Europe’s most prestigious clubs.

Gvardiol’s journey began in the youth academy of Dinamo Zagreb, where he quickly ascended through the ranks, earning his senior debut at the tender age of 17. His impressive performances for the Croatian giants caught the eye of RB Leipzig, who snapped him up in the summer of 2021. In the Bundesliga, Gvardiol has continued to shine, establishing himself as a cornerstone of Leipzig’s defense. His commanding presence in the air, combined with his exceptional ability to read the game and anticipate opposition attacks, has made him a nightmare for opposing forwards.

At the international level, Gvardiol has also been a revelation for Croatia. He made his debut for the national team in 2021 and quickly became a mainstay in the starting lineup. His performances at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar were particularly impressive, as he helped guide Croatia to a third-place finish. Gvardiol’s composure and leadership on the pitch, coupled with his technical skills, suggest that he has the potential to become one of the greatest defenders of his generation. With a bright future ahead of him, Josko Gvardiol is poised to continue making waves in the world of football and establish himself among the very best in the years to come.

Rising Stars: The Best Young Centre-Backs Under 24

#1. Josko Gvardiol

At just 20 years old, Josko Gvardiol has already established himself as one of the most promising young centre-backs in the world. The Croatian international is a versatile defender who can play both in the center and on the left. He is extremely composed on the ball and has a great passing range. Gvardiol is also a very good tackler and has a knack for intercepting passes. In the 2022/23 season, he has been one of the key players for RB Leipzig, who are currently second in the Bundesliga.

#2. Benoit Badiashile

Benoit Badiashile is another young centre-back who has been making a name for himself in recent years. The 21-year-old Frenchman is a tall and powerful defender who is very good in the air. He is also a very good passer and has a strong tactical understanding. Badiashile has been a regular starter for AS Monaco in recent seasons and has helped them qualify for the Champions League.

#3. Trevoh Chalobah

Trevoh Chalobah is a 23-year-old English centre-back who has broken into the Chelsea first team in recent months. He is a very athletic and aggressive defender who is very good at winning tackles. Chalobah is also a very good passer and has a strong aerial presence. He has been a key player for Chelsea in the 2022/23 season and has helped them win the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.

#4. Pau Torres

Pau Torres is a 25-year-old Spanish centre-back who has been playing for Villarreal for the past few years. He is a very composed and intelligent defender who is very good at reading the game. Torres is also a very good passer and has a strong aerial presence. He has been a key player for Villarreal in recent seasons and has helped them win the UEFA Europa League in 2021.

#5. William Saliba

William Saliba is a 21-year-old French centre-back who is currently on loan at Marseille from Arsenal. He is a very talented defender who is very good at defending in space. Saliba is also a very good passer and has a strong aerial presence. He has been a key player for Marseille in the 2022/23 season and has helped them qualify for the Champions League.

	Appearances	Goals	Assists
Josko Gvardiol	116	7	9
Benoit Badiashile	90	6	4
Trevoh Chalobah	70	8	5

Defensive Pillars: The Anchor of Future Defenses

2. The Wall – Impeccable Positioning and Reading of the Game

As a young center-back, positioning is paramount. Being able to anticipate opponents’ movements and intercept passes is crucial. Players with exceptional positioning sense can cut off dangerous crosses, stifle through balls, and prevent attackers from finding space to operate. Reading the game effectively allows them to predict opponents’ intentions and position themselves accordingly.

The key to impeccable positioning lies in constant scanning and awareness. By observing the movement of the ball, opposing players, and their own teammates, young center-backs can develop an intuitive understanding of the flow of the game. They analyze attacking patterns, identify potential threats, and adjust their positioning to neutralize them.

Pillars of Effective Positioning:

Anticipation:	Foreseeing opponents’ moves and positioning accordingly.
Scanning:	Constantly monitoring the field to gather information.
Spatial Awareness:	Understanding one’s position in relation to others on the field.

Aerial Dominance: Masters of the Air

In the realm of football, aerial prowess is a crucial attribute, especially for center-backs. These defenders are Guardians of the air, neutralizing aerial threats and ensuring their team’s safety.

Several young center-backs have showcased exceptional aerial dominance in recent years, making them highly sought-after commodities in the transfer market.

The Elite Trio: Ascending to the Sky

Three young center-backs stand head and shoulders above the rest in terms of aerial superiority. These players have repeatedly proven their ability to dominate the airspace, winning aerial duels with ease.

Player	Nationality	Aerial Duel Success Rate
Victor Nelsson	Denmark	75%
Milan Skriniar	Slovakia	72%
Marquinhos	Brazil	69%

Victor Nelsson stands as the aerial kingpin among this elite trio. His imposing physique, coupled with impeccable timing and leap ability, makes him an insurmountable obstacle for opposing attackers. Milan Skriniar is not far behind, utilizing his height and physical strength to outmuscle opponents in the air. Marquinhos, despite being the smallest of the three, compensates with his exceptional athleticism and aerial awareness.

These three aerial masters have played a pivotal role in their respective teams’ defensive success, consistently snuffing out aerial threats and instilling a sense of security amongst their backlines.

Tactical Acumen: Reading the Game Like a Pro

Scanning for Danger

Elite defenders possess an uncanny ability to scan the field, anticipating and mitigating potential threats. They constantly monitor opposition movements, identifying gaps, overlaps, and runs that could lead to scoring opportunities. This constant vigilance allows them to position themselves optimally to intercept passes or challenges and prevent their team from being caught off guard.

Positioning and Decision-Making

Effective center-backs make split-second decisions that can have a profound impact on the game. They choose their positioning carefully, balancing their defensive responsibilities with the need to support their teammates. They understand the importance of spacing, staying in line with their fellow defenders to create a compact and organized backline.

Anticipation and Interception

Anticipating the opposition’s next move is crucial for any defender. Young center-backs with excellent anticipation can predict where the ball is going and position themselves accordingly. They excel at reading the body language and intentions of their opponents, enabling them to intercept passes or block shots with ease.

Tackling Technique and Timing

Tackling is an art form that requires both skill and timing. Young defenders with excellent tackling technique can dispossess opponents effectively without resorting to fouls. They understand the importance of timing, waiting for the opportune moment to challenge for the ball while maintaining balance and control. This ability allows them to regain possession and minimize the threat to their team.

Young Center-Back with Exceptional Tactical Acumen:
Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
Jules Koundé (Sevilla)
Matthijs de Ligt (Juventus)

Strength and Speed: Blending Physicality and Agility

Young central defenders must possess both strength and speed to excel at the highest level. Strength allows them to compete effectively in aerial duels and physical challenges, while speed enables them to track and close down opposing attackers. These attributes are essential for a defender’s ability to protect their goal and maintain the integrity of their team’s defensive line.

Physicality

Physicality refers to a player’s strength, size, and endurance. Strong defenders are difficult to push off the ball and can effectively engage in physical battles with attackers. They can also win aerial duels and clear crosses with authority. Size can be an advantage in defending against taller opponents, while endurance is essential for maintaining a high level of performance throughout a match.

Agility

Agility refers to a player’s ability to move quickly and change direction with ease. Agile defenders can quickly adjust their positions to close down attackers and intercept passes. They can also recover quickly from challenges and avoid being outpaced by opponents.

Balance of Strength and Speed

The best young central defenders possess a balance of both strength and speed. They are strong enough to compete physically and agile enough to close down attackers and defend open spaces. This combination of attributes allows them to excel in a variety of defensive situations and is essential for their success at the highest level.

Examples of Young CBs with Exceptional Strength and Speed

Player	Strength	Speed
Matthijs de Ligt	Excellent	Good
Milan Skriniar	Excellent	Excellent
Dayot Upamecano	Excellent	Excellent

Modern Defenders: Adapting to Evolving Styles of Play

Adapting to Modern Playstyles

Modern defenders have had to adapt their playstyles to keep up with the evolving demands of the game. Gone are the days when center-backs could simply rely on their physicality to dominate opponents. Instead, they must now possess a range of skills, including excellent ball control, passing ability, and tactical awareness.

The Importance of Versatility

Versatility is key for modern defenders. They must be able to play in various positions across the backline and adapt to different tactical systems. The ability to switch between a three-man and four-man defense, for example, has become increasingly important.

The Modern Center-Back

The modern center-back is a complete defender. They are comfortable on the ball, can read the game intelligently, and have the physical attributes to compete at the highest level. Some of the best young center-backs in the world include:

Name	Age	Club
Matthijs de Ligt	23	Bayern Munich
Josko Gvardiol	21	RB Leipzig
William Saliba	21	Arsenal

The Role of Experience

While young defenders have the potential to be exceptional, experience remains an important factor. Senior players can provide guidance and mentorship to their younger counterparts, helping them to develop their game and reach their full potential.

Physical Attributes

Physical attributes remain essential for modern defenders. They must be strong, athletic, and agile to compete with the best forwards in the world. Additionally, they must have good stamina to cope with the demands of a full 90-minute match.

Ball-Playing Artisans: Creating Chances from the Back

In modern football, the role of a central defender is evolving beyond simply defending. Ball-playing center-backs are becoming increasingly valuable, as they possess the ability to initiate attacks and create chances from deep positions.

Virgil van Dijk

Van Dijk is arguably the best ball-playing center-back in the world. The Liverpool defender is comfortable receiving the ball in tight spaces and has an excellent range of passing. He is also a strong tackler and an aerial threat.

Aymeric Laporte

Laporte is another outstanding ball-playing center-back. The Manchester City defender is known for his composure on the ball and his ability to play out from the back. He is also a strong defender and is comfortable playing in a high line.

Rúben Dias

Dias is a rising star in the ball-playing center-back position. The Manchester City defender is only 24 years old, but he has already established himself as one of the best in the world. He is a commanding defender and is comfortable playing the ball out from the back.

Matthijs de Ligt

De Ligt is another young ball-playing center-back with a bright future. The Juventus defender is known for his strength, aerial ability, and passing range. He is also a good tackler and is comfortable playing in a high line.

Milan Škriniar

Škriniar is a ball-playing center-back who has been linked with a move to several top clubs in Europe. The Inter Milan defender is known for his composure on the ball and his ability to play out from the back. He is also a strong defender and is comfortable playing in a high line.

José María Giménez

Giménez is a ball-playing center-back who has been a key player for Atlético Madrid for several seasons. The Uruguayan defender is known for his strength, aerial ability, and passing range. He is also a good tackler and is comfortable playing in a high line.

Marquinhos

Marquinhos is a ball-playing center-back who has been a key player for Paris Saint-Germain for several seasons. The Brazilian defender is known for his composure on the ball and his ability to play out from the back. He is also a strong defender and is comfortable playing in a high line.

Global Dominators: Shining Bright on the International Stage

8. Josko Gvardiol & Dejan Lovren: Croatian Duo Conquering Europe

Josko Gvardiol (RB Leipzig): At just 20 years of age, Gvardiol has emerged as one of the most promising defenders in the world. His exceptional ball-playing abilities, aerial dominance, and calm under pressure have drawn comparisons to Sergio Ramos. Gvardiol is a crucial part of both the RB Leipzig and Croatian national teams, showcasing his versatility in both domestic and international competitions.

Dejan Lovren (Zenit Saint Petersburg): The experienced 33-year-old veteran remains a vital cog in the Croatian defense. Lovren’s physicality, aerial prowess, and leadership skills make him a formidable opponent. He has guided Zenit to multiple Russian Premier League titles and played an instrumental role in Croatia’s 2018 World Cup final run.

Player	Age	Club	International Appearances
Josko Gvardiol	20	RB Leipzig	19
Dejan Lovren	33	Zenit Saint Petersburg	78

Unlocking Potential: Nurturing the Next Generation of Elite Centre-Backs

Developing exceptional centre-backs requires a holistic approach that nurtures their physical, technical, and mental attributes. Proper nutrition, strength and conditioning, technical training, and mental fortitude are crucial components of this journey.

10. Jakub Kiwior (Spezia)

At 22, Jakub Kiwior has emerged as a highly promising centre-back in Serie A. His composure, aerial dominance, and tackling prowess have drawn admiration. Kiwior excels in reading the game, positioning himself strategically to intercept passes and block shots. He is also a threat in the opposition box with his aerial ability and heading accuracy.

Kiwior’s strengths include:

Excellent aerial duels
Strong tackling and interceptions
Good distribution and passing range
Composed under pressure

To further refine his skills, Kiwior could improve his speed and agility, as well as his ability to carry the ball out from the back. With continued development, he has the potential to become a world-class centre-back.

Player	Age	Club
Jakub Kiwior	22	Spezia

Best Young Centre-Backs in FC 24

In the ever-evolving landscape of modern football, the role of the centre-back remains paramount. These players are the defensive anchors of their teams, responsible for keeping clean sheets and protecting the goalkeeper. With so many talented young centre-backs emerging in FC 24, it can be difficult to determine who are the best. However, a few standout candidates have consistently impressed with their performances.

One of the most promising young centre-backs in FC 24 is Eder Militao of Real Madrid. Despite his relatively young age, Militao has quickly established himself as a key player for the Spanish giants. He is known for his exceptional defensive abilities, including his tackling, heading, and positioning. Militao is also a very good distributor of the ball, making him a threat going forward as well.

Another highly rated young centre-back is Matthijs de Ligt of Juventus. De Ligt made a name for himself at Ajax before joining Juventus in 2019. He is a physically imposing defender who is excellent in the air. De Ligt is also a very good reader of the game, which allows him to anticipate opponents’ movements and make timely interventions.