World Cup 2018: Five number fives defending with their lives


Attack wins games, defence wins titles is how the old saying goes.

And it's never been more relevent that at the World Cup, with an organised and effective defence absolutely essential for any side harbouring ambitions of reaching the latter stages of the tournament.

You can read RealSport's best number sixes feature HERE.

Football is inherently subjective and a midfielder like Sergio Busquets might epitomise the number five position for some, whilst others associate it more with old-school centre backs, such as Rio Ferdinand, who donned the number five shirt for Manchester United. For this piece, the number five shirt will represent a centre back.

RealSport pick out the best five going to Russia.

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