As years go by, most experts say that every team must be built with a solid foundation. Well, these players surely have proved that point by making themselves indispensable for their squads, and while doing that, they helped their teams reach the semi-final stage of the UEFA Euro 2016.
Not all of these names were known world-wide prior to the start of the tournament, but they have cemented their reputation as key assets for their teams. Let's have a closer look at those center backs that could have a direct influence in the outcome of the semi-finals.
For this list, we are considering mostly defensive stats, although their offensive contribution and leadership skills might give them an edge to be featured in this Top 5. We are also excluding players that won't be available due to suspension.
Ashley Williams
Wales' captain plays for Swansea City, but he might end up joining a top-caliber team this summer. The Dragons' skipper has shown tremendous leadership skills, boosted by his impressive aerial dominance on both ends of the pitch. His equalizer against Belgium helped him reach legendary status, becoming the first Welsh player to score in a Quarter-final match in the team's history.
UEFA executives have granted him a 7.22 rating for his good display in France, good enough to rank among the competition's finest defenders. A token of how influential Williams is for the Dragons came during the Round of 16 match against Northern Ireland, where he played the final minutes with a nasty shoulder injury.
Williams refused to be subbed off against Northern Ireland despite having a dislocated shoulder.
Pepe
Surely, the Portuguese player has redeemed his image as a bully in the continental competition. Respected by his team-mates and fans, Portugal's Number 3 has become the heart and soul of the Seleçao, helping them to keep clean sheets in two of their five games so far.
Surprisingly enough, Pepe's reputation has improved with each game, keeping himself out of trouble in the last three games. Portugal's chances of success will definitely improve if the defender is around, considering his intensity and well-timed tackles as the key assets of the Portuguese defensive unit.
Pepe is finally establishing himself as one of the finest defenders in the world, leading every defensive category for Portugal this summer.
Jerome Boateng
Yes, he committed a silly handball foul which led to Italy's equalizer in the Last 8, but Jerome Boateng is the rock of Germany's defense. His performance against Slovakia in their Round of 16 clash earned him a fair amount of praise. Best of all, he even scored a fantastic opening goal for Die Mannschaft.
The talented Bayern Munich center back has also put his ball handling skills to good use, completing 86.4% of his passes in five games so far for the German side. With suspended Mats Hummels absent against France, Boateng's leadership at the back will be crucial to help the Germans beat the hosts on Thursday evening.
Boateng has only missed three minutes of playing time in the entire tournament, proving his worth for Die Mannschaft day in and day out.
Laurent Koscielny
The Arsenal defender has stepped up and delivered for the hosts, who had their fair share of doubts due to the absence of Raphael Varane. His form this summer has caught Bayern Munich's eye, and the 30-year-old could end up joining the Bavarians before the summer transfer window comes to a close.
Koscielny's form has been truly helpful for Deschamps' crew, with his ball-handling skills standing out throughout the competition. Despite being subbed off against Iceland, Koscielny completed 96% of his passes against the Vikings, helping Les Bleus reach the semi-final stage by stepping up as the defensive line's leader.
Coach Didier Deschamps (right) chose to sub Koscielny off against Iceland in order to avoid a second booking for the talented French defender.
James Chester
Earning Man of the Match honours in a team that has Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey around is a huge achievement, and James Chester accomplished that while helping Wales reach the quarter-final stage.
The 27-year-old has been Ashley Williams' partner-in-crime throughout the tournament, helping the Dragons become one of the competition's final four teams.
During his all-star performance against Northern Ireland, Chester made seven successful tackles, and kept the Dragons alive with a crucial save before the match ended. His skills will come in handy for Wales against Portugal as Ben Davies will not be available. The latter picked up another yellow card against Belgium.
With a 7.45 rating, Chester has played a crucial role in Wales' historical run.
Only four nations have kept their title hopes alive, and only those brave enough to stand against these tough defenders will be able to see their way into the final match. Which one of these defenders help their team to reach the UEFA Euro 2016 final?
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