Sports
Zlatan Ibrahimovic Named the 5 ‘Strongest’ Defenders He’s Ever Seen
A certified journeyman and centre forward, Zlatan Ibrahimovic terrorised defences throughout Europe from 2001, when he joined Ajax, until 2023, when he finally called time on his career and hung up his boots as one of the most potent number 9s in football history.
Armed with outstanding technical ability and an imposing physical presence, the former Juventus, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain striker rarely struggled for consistency – although a select group of defenders were able to make life particularly difficult for him during his peak years. In fact, he once revealed the four toughest opponents he encountered during his career.
Overlooking the likes of Rio Ferdinand, John Terry and Sergio Ramos in the process, the legendary Swede, according to SempreMilan, said in an interview with Corriere TV in 2021: “There are many, if one played in Italy, he played against many strong defenders.”
Ten years, the defenders were worse, there was not even the VAR. If I have to name names, I say Paolo Maldini, Nesta, Stam, Chiellini, Thiago Silva. When I was playing with him [Silva], I said that I have an Ibrahimovic in defence.
Thiago Silva
PSG, Chelsea, Fluminense, AC Milan, Porto
Let’s start with the former Chelsea stalwart. Thiago Silva was a defender who seemed to improve with age, and Zlatan was full of praise for the Brazilian after sharing the pitch with him in the French capital. In Ibrahimovic’s eyes, Silva could handle practically every aspect of defending, from progressing the ball through the lines to organising the defence with his wealth of experience.
He was the most complete defender; he knew how to do everything. Then we also went to Paris together, we won together. He is a top defender.
A 113-cap Brazil international born in Rio de Janeiro, Silva may not have possessed the same attacking flair as Ronaldinho or Kaka, but his understanding of the defensive side of the game was reminiscent of the composed and assured Lucio.
Ibrahimovic, 44, and Silva, 41, shared the pitch 195 times for PSG and AC Milan. The experienced centre-back is also still playing in his homeland for Fluminense after leaving Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2024.
|
Thiago Silva – Club Statistics |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Club |
Games |
Goals |
Assists |
Yellow/Red Cards |
|
Paris Saint-Germain |
315 |
17 |
7 |
25/1 |
|
Fluminense FC |
202 |
20 |
5 |
30/3 |
|
Chelsea |
155 |
9 |
4 |
16/1 |
|
AC Milan |
119 |
6 |
2 |
7/0 |
|
Esporte Clube Juventude |
29 |
3 |
0 |
2/0 |
|
Porto |
14 |
0 |
0 |
1/0 |
Paolo Maldini
AC Milan
As Ibrahimovic mentioned, Italian football became synonymous with the art of catenaccio – a defensive approach centred on organisation, close marking and sweeping. It was a system that Paolo Maldini and his fellow defenders mastered.
The former Italy international, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, demonstrated just how disciplined he was when he famously argued that needing to tackle was evidence of a mistake having already been made.
If I have to make a tackle then I have already made a mistake.
Maldini could operate at centre-back or on the left side of a back four, with his remarkably versatile skillset making him indispensable to the Rossoneri during his 901-game spell at the club. Few players are as closely associated with the red and black of AC Milan as the legendary defender.
|
Paolo Maldini – Club Statistics |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Club |
Games |
Goals |
Assists |
Yellow/Red Cards |
|
AC Milan |
901 |
33 |
43 |
94/3 |
Alessandro Nesta
AC Milan, Lazio, Montreal, Chennaiyin
Maldini’s long-time defensive partner, Alessandro Nesta, is sometimes overlooked when discussions turn to the greatest centre-backs ever, yet his long stride, reading of the game and positioning made him a nightmare for opposing forwards.
A naturally gifted defender, few players were as committed to mastering the defensive arts as the stylish Italian. At his peak, Nesta was capable of shutting down even the most dangerous strikers, particularly those competing in Serie A.
Defending was not the only part of his game, either. Nesta could step forward from the back line and influence proceedings in the final third for AC Milan, whether through a defence-splitting pass or a progressive run. He was an elite defender in every sense of the word, and players of his ilk are increasingly rare.
|
Alessandro Nesta – Club Statistics |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Club |
Games |
Goals |
Assists |
Yellow/Red Cards |
|
AC Milan |
326 |
10 |
2 |
54/4 |
|
Lazio |
261 |
3 |
0 |
51/2 |
|
CF Montreal |
34 |
0 |
0 |
0/1 |
|
Chennaiyin |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0/0 |
Jaap Stam
Man Utd, PSV Eindhoven, Lazio, AC Milan, Ajax
Few defenders were as imposing as Jaap Stam. The former Manchester United, Lazio and AC Milan centre-back intimidated opponents during his prime. Despite his considerable frame, Stam was also remarkably agile and mobile for a player of his stature.
Regarded as one of the most intimidating players in Premier League history, his commanding presence is still remembered at Old Trafford. There is little doubt that a defender of Stam’s calibre could thrive in almost any generation of football.
His ability to establish such a formidable reputation during a relatively short but hugely successful spell with the Red Devils says plenty about his quality. Powerful in the air and on the ground, while also comfortable with the ball at his feet, the Dutchman was a truly exceptional physical specimen.
|
Jaap Stam – Club Statistics |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Club |
Games |
Goals |
Assists |
Yellow/Red Cards |
|
Manchester United |
127 |
1 |
3 |
14/0 |
|
PSV Eindhoven |
98 |
11 |
4 |
14/0 |
|
Lazio |
94 |
4 |
1 |
11/1 |
|
AC Milan |
65 |
2 |
2 |
11/2 |
|
Ajax |
52 |
2 |
1 |
11/0 |
|
Cambuur Leeuwarden |
37 |
1 |
0 |
4/0 |
|
Willem II Tilburg |
19 |
1 |
1 |
0/1 |
|
PEC Zwolle |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0/0 |
Giorgio Chiellini
Juventus, US Livorno, Los Angeles, Fiorentina
It should come as little surprise that Ibrahimovic also selected another Italian, this time a genuine Juventus icon. When supporters picture the black and white colours of the Bianconeri, the imposing Giorgio Chiellini is one of the first names that comes to mind – often sporting his trademark head bandage, as seen above.
Born in Pisa, Chiellini spent most of his career in Turin between 2005 and 2022. He also represented AS Livorno, Fiorentina and Los Angeles FC before retiring in January 2024 as one of the greatest one-footed players in history.
His domestic honours are equally impressive, including nine Serie A titles and five Italian Cups, while Italy’s Euro 2024 success arguably provided the crowning achievement of a career in which he represented his country across multiple generations.
|
Giorgio Chiellini – Club Statistics |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Club |
Games |
Goals |
Assists |
Yellow/Red Cards |
|
Juventus |
561 |
36 |
26 |
95/5 |
|
US Livorno |
62 |
4 |
0 |
10/1 |
|
Los Angeles |
45 |
1 |
1 |
6/0 |
|
Fiorentina |
42 |
3 |
2 |
2/0 |
All statistics per Transfermarkt – correct as of 21-08-26.
Sports
£7m Star Joining Tottenham After Attacking Trio Completes Perfect Summer
Tottenham Hotspur can complete a perfect summer transfer window by signing Crystal Palace star Daniel Munoz.
Tottenham stunned their Premier League rivals by wrapping up six quick signings early in the window, and now they are working hard to get at least three more over the line before the September 1 deadline.
|
Tottenham Summer Signings |
|---|
|
Martin Dubravka |
|
Jan Paul van Hecke |
|
Marcos Senesi |
|
Andy Robertson |
|
Mateus Fernandes |
|
Sandro Tonali |
Spurs have now agreed a deal worth up to £85m to sign Manchester City winger Savinho, while they are also working on a deal to sign his club teammate, Omar Marmoush, having already agreed personal terms, as Roberto De Zerbi looks to add a new striker to his squad.
The Italian coach still wants another wide player even if he lands the City duo in the coming days, with Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo his top target.
The north London outfit might have to be patient in their pursuit of the Netherlands international however, with the Reds not being open to a sale until they land two new wingers themselves, as they target moves for PSG duo Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye, as well as making a bid for Brighton and Hove Albion attacker Yankuba Minteh.
Tottenham’s squad would be close to De Zerbi’s dream if he lands all three, but there is still one gaping hole in the team, and that is competition for Pedro Porro in the right-back spot.
Spurs had more than adequate cover for the World Cup-winning full-back in Djed Spence, but the Englishman has completed a move to Inter Milan this summer.
While Porro is an outstanding player who has just signed a long-term contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, his main back-up to his position as things stand is Archie Gray, who is a central midfielder by trade.
Tottenham Must Seal Daniel Munoz Deal
Tottenham have been linked with new right-backs in recent weeks, but interest has almost taken a back seat as they look to tie up a trio of attacking signings.
Should De Zerbi get the three players the club are currently working to sign, every summer addition will arrive in north London with Premier League experience.
It is a pattern that has continued with right-back links too, with Nottingham Forest’s Neco Williams and Crystal Palace’s Daniel Munoz two players mentioned.
Top Spurs source Paul O’Keefe confirmed earlier this month that the club admire Eagles star Munoz, who has shone at right-back and right wing-back for the south London outfit in recent seasons.
|
Daniel Munoz (PL 2025-26) |
|
|
Appearances (Starts) |
29 (29) |
|
Minutes Played |
2,403 |
|
Goals |
4 |
|
Assists |
3 |
|
Clean Sheets |
10 |
|
Tackles (Won) |
72 (48) |
|
Interceptions |
24 |
|
Clearances |
102 |
|
Blocked Shots |
7 |
|
Fouls Committed |
34 |
|
Yellow Cards |
7 |
The Colombia international has made more than 80 English top flight outings for Palace since completing a £7m move to Selhurst Park, and has established himself as one of the best in his position in that time.
Munoz may be 30 now, but there are few better options that De Zerbi and Tottenham could sign now to back up a World Cup winner, who offer real quality when they do come into the XI.
Given his age and the fact he has two years remaining on his contract at Palace, there will be an expectation that he wouldn’t cost the world either.
Now they need to get the deal done to complete the perfect summer window.
Sports
Michael Carrick Decision Could Be End of Joshua Zirkzee’s Man Utd Career
Manchester United are preparing to take on Hull in their first Premier League game of the season on Saturday afternoon, and Michael Carrick has some big decisions to make.
The Red Devils have had a busy summer with four new arrivals, including a midfield rebuild that has seen Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, while a deal is close to being agreed with Brighton to bring in Carlos Baleba too.
But with a little over a week remaining of the transfer window, there is also a belief that there could be more signings on the way, including additions in the forward department.
Man Utd’s pre-season didn’t go massively to plan. The team won just two of their six games within the 90 minutes, and had many players joining up late with the squad as a result of their participation at the World Cup.
- 0-1 vs Wrexham
- 5-0 vs Rosenborg
- 2-1 vs Atletico Madrid
- 1-1 vs PSG
- 1-1 vs Leeds (won 5-4 on pens)
- 2-4 vs AC Milan
But one of the bigger stories from the team’s preparation was the fact that starting striker Benjamin Sesko hasn’t featured for a single minute in any of the games as he continues to recover from an injury picked up at the end of last season.
While he has since returned to training and could be in the squad against Hull to pick up some minutes, it’s highly unlikely that he’ll get the nod from the start. That would normally mean the backup striker, Joshua Zirkzee, would get the nod to step into the starting lineup. However, that seems unlikely too, with Bryan Mbeumo more likely to get the number nine role.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
Mbeumo was the club’s top scorer last season in all competitions, and also during pre-season with three goals, and Carrick showed last season that he is a fan of using the Cameroonian in a central position too.
With Matheus Cunha, Amad, Patrick Dorgu, and Marcus Rashford all available to play on the wings too, it means the team wouldn’t be lacking in attack should the manager choose to go with that once again.
But it does mean that he clearly doesn’t believe in Zirkzee to lead the line for his team, and that is likely to be the end of the Netherlands international’s Old Trafford career.
Zirkzee Future in Carrick’s Hands
Zirkzee’s arrival from Bologna two summers ago was seen as a shrewd signing, but he has struggled with the pace and physicality of the Premier League.
In pre-season, however, he has been impressive, scoring against Rosenborg and Leeds with two well-taken strikes. He links up well with the other forwards in the squad, and holds the ball up well too, while technically he is one of the best at the club.
But after missing out on a spot in the World Cup squad due to a lack of game time, Zirkzee needs regular minutes if he is going to stay. If he isn’t going to be selected when Sesko is out injured, then the chances of regular minutes looks slim.
There is strong interest from Italy in his signature, and an exit would look inevitable if Carrick decides to ignore him as an option once again on Saturday.
Sports
‘Here We Go’ – Man Utd Agree Deal to Sign Brighton Star Carlos Baleba
Manchester United have agreed a deal with Brighton to sign Carlos Baleba, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Red Devils have been pushing to rebuild their midfield all summer, with the Cameroon international a leading target since last summer, when they agreed personal terms to bring him to Old Trafford.
A deal never materialised then, with Brighton demanding a fee in excess of £100m at the time, but after a disappointing individual campaign, and with the player desperate to make the switch, they have now agreed a deal worth much less.
According to Romano, Man Utd have agreed a deal for Baleba to finally make the switch, joining Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans as new additions in midfield for Michael Carrick.
The 22-year-old will now travel for a medical at Carrington before putting pen to paper on a long-term contract with the 20-time English champions, as they look to win their first Premier League title since 2013.
Man Utd chiefs are understood to believe that Baleba could be a transformative signing for the club’s midfield, and he will now compete alongside the two new signings, Mason Mount, and Kobbie Mainoo for a starting spot in the heart of the team.
A verbal agreement is now in place between the two clubs, after United send a new bid following their £65m bid being rejected.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
|
Carlos Baleba PL Stats 2025-26 |
|
|---|---|
|
Games |
31 |
|
Starts |
23 |
|
Pass accuracy |
86.1% |
|
Duels won |
102 |
|
Aerial duels won |
29 |
|
Defensive contributions |
209 |
|
Tackles |
37 |
|
Interceptions |
29 |
When Could Baleba Make His Man Utd Debut?
Baleba is ready to join Man Utd in the coming days, but he is unlikely to be able to make his debut straight away after he suffered an ankle ligament injury during pre-season.
The injury was initially expected to keep him sidelined for a while, but it’s understood that the problem is not as bad as originally feared, and he should be able to return to action in September.
United will take on Hull, Ipswich, Everton, Man City, and Fulham before the international break, and will hope that Baleba is able to return before then.
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