Outsider: Jamie Carragher - Liverpool. The work rate of this guy and his tremendous tackles and positioning are on the spot. Carragher is a true professional and unfortunately he doesn’t deserve his due credit. His off-pitch engagements for poverty and local schools gives him an extra plus.

Here’s the list of the 10 best central defenders in the world TODAY.

10. Maldini - a living legend, an active legend, such an intelligence and positioning on the pitch

9. Carvalho - Superp defender who together with John Terry built the Chelsea Wall.

8. Ferdinand - has still got the speed and air prowess.

7. Marquez - such a morale in each single game - makes him a dream for every manager

6. Nesta - Alessandro Nesta has over and over again with his perfect tackles shown that despite his injuries he is still one of the absolutely best defenders in the world.

5. Ramos - The Real Madrid player will probably be one of the top-three defenders of the world. His major set-back is that he is a bit reckless in various situations. Time is on his side though…

4. Terry - The English giant is worth gold for Scolari and has proven his qualities both in Europe and in the Premier League.

3. Vidic - Totally deserves his position as the 3rd best defender in the world. His work rate is tremendous and he never complains. Sir Alex Ferguson should be a happy manager…

2. Puyol - A true fighter, a lion’s heart really. Ever present to rescue his attacking team. An enormous giant who’s doing almost a two man’s work. Is at his peak at the moment.

1. Fabio Cannavaro - Splendid at the 2006 World Cup but has also taken Real Madrid to a next level. He is also the main driving force that has made Sergio Ramos such a great defender. Fabio is a true footballer, with a good heart on and off the pitch. We all started to play football because we loved the game. Not many players keep that love throughout their career but Cannavaro has done it for many years. With his tackles, heading skills and determination and pace makes him certainly the best defender in the world.

//Footie Source