10 Toughest Centre Backs At World Cup 2018

Despite leaving the field with a groin injury in Belgium's recent friendly against Portugal, Vincent Kompany has still been included in Roberto Martinez's final squad for Russia, and that tells you all you need to know about how important the Man City man is for his nation. Between Kompany, Alderweireld, Vermaelen, and Vertonghen, Belgium have an incredible pool of defenders to choose from, and Kompany has been of the best of the bunch since making his debut back in 2004.

Repeatedly classed as one of the toughest defenders on the planet, Kompany is well-known for his immense physical strength, composed attitude, solid aerial presence, and ability to read the game and nullify opposing strikers with consummate ease. He's made 74 appearances for Belgium, scoring 4 goals in total.

Injuries have been a big part of Kompany's career in recent years, but he always seems to bounce back and prove his class, as he did for Man City in the latest Premier League season. Kompany is a respected and well-liked character on and off the pitch, and football fans around the globe will be hoping he can stay fit enough to turn out for his nation at this summer's big event.