Each week, we shall be looking into one of the greatest footballers in modern football and the impact they can potentially make when the World Cup commences in June.

Very few defenders in modern football can come close to the level of some legendary athletes in the same position from the past. One of, if not the, best of the bunch has to be PSG‘s Thiago Silva.

The Brazilian has it all. Whether it’s strength, athleticism, stamina, determination, focus, ability to read the game and pure talent, Silva takes the cake when it comes to the world’s best current defenders. Now, at 29 years of age and appointed as the national team’s captain, the moment couldn’t be more opportune for the player to lead his squad to ultimate glory right at their backyard.

Also his current club’s captain, Silva exploded into the limelight during his spell at AC Milan, forming an outstanding defensive partnership with Alessandro Nesta which was extremely hard to penetrate. That was until the Italian club imploded financially and were left with no choice but to sell their star centre back to the highest bidder, which happened to be his current club PSG.

Included in numerous teams of the year, the player received so much acclaim due to his performances that he was compared to Italian legend Franco Baresi, one of the finest in his position the sport has ever seen. A natural leader at the back, Silva gives the impression that he could lead any defence available, regardless of the amount of talent involved.

Be sure to keep an eye out for this rare complete defender, as he will attempt to guide the favourites to the trophy which, according to experts and pundits, is destined to be lifted by the home nation.