We take a look at three rather special defenders ahead of the Confederations Cup of 2013.

Thiago Silva

Brazil is no longer the opponent which struck fear into the hearts of every nation, including the Europeans. They still have considerable talent across the midfield of course. Several generations of the Brazil national side have not been successful due to the back four. However, this time, it is the stability of the back four which could see Brazil win the tournament they will host.

Along with treble winner Dante, Thiago Silva is one of Brazil’s most experienced players. Silva was excellent during his time in Milan; he was slowly growing into a Milan legend. Unfortunately, Milan’s financial problems and Silva’s personal issues forced the defender’s hand when it came to moving away. He moved to PSG eventually and has been extremely successful there.

 

Atsuto Uchida

When the Japanese first transferred to Schalke, he raised plenty of eyebrows. After all, he had no prior experience in Europe; he was moving to one of the best German teams from Kashima Antlers. However, Uchida, in his first season made the right back berth his own. He proved that his first season was no fluke by playing wonderfully for two further seasons. He is set to remain at Schalke for many years to come it seems.

Uchida holds the honor for being the first Japanese to ever feature in a Champions League semifinal; Schalke made it to that stage of the competition in 2011. Uchida of course played a large part in that success. He is also a Pokal winner, having won the competition in 2010. Uchida will definitely play a vital role for his country at the Confederations Cup.

Giorgio Chiellini

Juventus really has a special player in the no nonsense Chiellini. On the pitch, his tackling is highly impressive. While he does not seem to be the most modest person on the pitch, he is indeed the ideal gentleman off it. Chiellini, despite belonging to that generation, was not a part of Marcelo Lippi’s World Cup winning 2006 squad. However, he played a huge role as Italy surprised and shocked in equal measure at the Euros last year.

Chiellini has won the Scudetto with Juventus. He was part of the Italian side which collected bronze in the Olympics in 2004 in Athens as well. The Italian, extremely deservedly, has been awarded the defender of the season award thrice for his excellence in Serie A. If Italy is to challenge again for a major trophy this summer, Chiellini will definitely play a huge part.

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