Football Manager 2022 is here, so make the best team you can by signing all the top players in the world.
Solid defending can lead to titles, as being hard to break down gives you more chance of winning games.
Find out which players make up the best central defenders available in FM22 below.
FM22 Best Central Defenders
The emergence of a few names on this list has seen the stock of the centre-half rise once again.
Whilst demand is hot, it's time for you to move fast, and we can guarantee that you'll want to have these dominating defenders in your FM22 save.
Virgil van Dijk (CA 180 - PA 183)
Age: 30
Club: Liverpool
Value: £116-£139 million
Wage: £240,000 a week
The final piece to Liverpool's Premier League-winning puzzle, Virgil van Dijk is arguably the greatest defender in the world right now.
He's also the best defender in FM22, with a combination of stats marking him out as the most dominant centre-half in the game.
You might want to start looking for new ways now if you're planning to get past this brick wall.
Sergio Ramos (CA 170 - PA 174)
Age: 35
Club: PSG
Value: Not for sale
Wage: £225,000 a week
Sergio Ramos has been ruffling feathers and defending goals for many, many years.
Whilst he may have left Spain, the 35-year-old has taken off to dominate in France.
A legendary player with excellent leadership qualities, Sergio Ramos has certainly still got it.
Ruben Dias (CA 169 - PA 177)
Age: 24
Club: Manchester City
Value: £122-£151 million
Wage: £175,000 a week
The standout player in Manchester City's title win last campaign, Ruben Dias announced himself in the Premier League by having a storming season.
Still young and with plenty of room to grow, Dias could become the best defender in the world. Are you the manager that can help him reach those heights?
Aymeric Laporte (CA 168 - PA 173)
Age: 27
Club: Manchester City
Value: £97-£144 million
Wage: £130,000 a week
From John Stones to Nathan Ake, Ruben Dias to Aymeric Laporte, Manchester City have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to central defenders.
Laporte is a strong, quick, dominant centre-half who is guaranteed to keep top-class strikers out.
If you're planning to aid City to their first Champions League win, you need to put Laporte at the heart of it all.
Raphael Varane (CA 165 - PA 173)
Age: 28
Club: Manchester UFC
Value: £68-£87 million
Wage: £275,000 a week
Recently arriving in the Premier League, not many players have more trophies in their locker than Raphael Varane.
A definite modern legend, Varane is looking to add the Premier League title to his collection. Can you be the manager that helps him bring it home?
Marquinhos (CA 162 - PA 165)
Age: 27
Club: PSG
Value: £62-£79 million
Wage: £235,000 a week
Another dominant centre-half currently operating in the French capital, Marquinhos could be someone you look to sign to guarantee clean sheets.
Already a top-class player with a little room to grow, the 27-year-old is entering his prime and the results are clear for all to see.
Stefan de Vrij (CA 162 - PA 165)
Age: 29
Club: Inter
Value: £46-£70 million
Wage: £115,000 a week
Stefan de Vrij helped Inter to the title last campaign and will be looking to add to his career with more trophies.
You could be bringing in one of the most solid defenders around if you sign him for your club.
Milan Skriniar (CA 162 - PA 170)
Age: 26
Club: Inter
Value: £54-£65 million
Wage: £91,000 a week
One of the fastest defenders on this list, Milan Skriniar was a major part of the Inter side that conquered Italy last year.
With his stock at an all-time high - and with Inter in some tough financial times - could you grab a bargain and let Skriniar dominate your defence for years to come?
Mats Hummels (CA 160 - PA 177)
Age: 32
Club: Borussia Dortmund
Value: Not for sale
Wage: £165,000 a week
Mats Hummels has won it all in his career, so there's no surprise he's one of the top-rated defenders in FM22.
He might have lost a yard of pace, but his strength more than makes up for any slips at the back.
A solid talent with excellent leadership skills, Hummels is the perfect mentor for the youngsters rising through the Dortmund ranks.
Kalidou Koulibaly (CA 160 - PA 169)
Age: 30
Club: Napoli
Value: £42-£53 million
Wage: £185,000 a week
One of the most dominant centre-halves in Europe over the past couple of years, Kalidou Koulibaly is yet to make the jump to the next level.
With prices through the roof and Napoli potentially willing to sell, could you take Kalidou to a top European club?