Best Possible Football XI In The World Right Now

8. Centre-Back: Leonardo Bonucci

Barcelona's Lionel Messi celebrates the first goal
Maurizio Borsari/AFLO/Nippon News/Corbis

Leonardo Bonucci is a vital presence at the heart of Juventus' typical three-man defence. He benefits greatly from playing alongside such bullish counterparts as Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli, but the former Bari man is a completely different beast: a calm, composed ball-playing defender who's more comfortable in possession than most midfielders and attackers.

Now 30 years old, Bonucci is better than ever before. He has completely eliminated the lapses in concentration that once plagued his game, and his grown into one of the world's most complete defenders. Barcelona are reportedly chasing his services this summer, and it's easy to see why: Bonucci's ability to launch attacks from the back is unparalleled in the modern game, and his range of passing is every bit as strong.

As good as he is at initiating attacking plays, Bonucci is just as adept at stopping them. His positioning, strength, and ability to read the game are all top notch, and he has also drawn praise for his leadership. Juventus have plenty of great defenders on their books, but none are more irreplaceable than Bonucci, who they'll want to tie down with a contract extension ASAP.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.