[ESPN FC] 2024 FC 100: Federico Dimarco is ranked 10th and Alessandro Bastoni is ranked 11th best defender in world football in this year’s #FC100

1 Rudiger
2 Saliba
3 Van Dijk
4 Walker
5 Marquinhos
6 Stones
7 Hakimi
8 Araujo
9 Robertson
10 Dimarco
11 Bastoni
12 Carvajal
13 De Ligt
14 Alphonso Davies
15 Grimaldo
16 Lucas Hernandez
17 Ruben Dias
18 Gvardiol
19 Theo Hernandez
20 Alexander-Arnold
21 Pau Torres
22 Mendy
23 Konate
24 Frimpong
25 Tah
26 Hummels
27 Ben White
28 Kounde
29 Inacio
30 Van de Ven

1. Alessandro BASTONI, Inter Milan/Italy

Key attributes/style of play: If he wasn't 6-foot-3, he'd likely be taking corners and free kicks given his skill on the ball

Stat to know: 23 chances created in Serie A in 2023-24, led center-backs in the league.

Why he's on the list: Athletic, left-footed central defenders who can also play out from the back are one of the most sought-after players in the modern game, and Bastoni ticks all the boxes. The fact he is blessed with vision and tremendous set-piece ability is also a real asset. He's good in the air as well, and has the right combination of physicality and discipline: despite being an assertive defender, he doesn't pick up many cards from referees and has been sent off just once in his career.

Projection for next season: Inter have him signed up on a deal through 2028. The club's financial woes — they recently had to refinance a loan of around $400m — are well documented, and the reality is that if a large enough offer comes in, they may need to let one of their key players go. But, with Bastoni having just turned 25, it would need to be a massive bid. — Marcotti

1. Federico DIMARCO, Inter Milan/Italy

Key attributes/style of play: Consistent creative outlet from deep and wide positions, always capable of serving up pinpoint crosses

Stat to know: 11 goal contributions (5 goals, 6 assists) in Serie A this season, the most among defenders.

Why he's on the list: When it comes to left-sided wing-backs, you'll struggle to find many better than Dimarco, especially as he has added genuine consistency to his game over the past couple of seasons. He's quick, has plenty of stamina and is often the first man breaking up-field when Inter are in transition. Arguably one of Inter's three most important players in their Serie A title-winning campaign, he also chipped in five goals and six assists for Simone Inzaghi's side as they strolled to the Scudetto over second-place Milan by 19 points.

Projection for next season: Dimarco has three years to run on his deal and, rightly or wrongly, most see him purely as a wing-back — though he has played left-back in a four for Italy and even left-sided central defender in a three. While he may be highly rated, it would take a significant offer from a club that plays with a back three to pry him loose. — Marcotti

https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/40179267/fc-100-virgil-van-dijk-best-defenders-men-soccer